FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY  HIM  TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Division       S^CL 
Sectioa  /Ol 


7 

APR    8    1932 ( 


MINUTE  S%n  [c,n^ 


OF   THE 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS 


BRETHREN". 

DESIGNED   FOR   THE 

PROMOTION  OF  THE  PEACE  AND  HARMONY 


BROTH  ERHOOD 


PUBLISHED  BY  AUTHORITY  OF  THE  ANNUAL  MEETING 
MAY  26-27,  1874. 


sS 


x/ 


o 


PUBLISHED    BY    THE    COMMITTEE. 
DAYTON,  OHIO: 

PRINTED  BY  THE  CHRISTIAN  PUBLISHING  ASSOCIATION. 

187G. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1876,  by 

H.  D.  DAVY  AND  J.  QUIXTER, 
In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington. 


PREFACE. 


A  number  of  our  younger  brethren  having  a  desire  to 
have  the  counsels  of  the  older  brethren,  as  given  at  our 
Annual  Meetings,  as  a  help  to  them  in  forming  a  correct 
judgment  upon  things  upon  which  it  is  desirable  they 
should  have  correct  and  uniform  views,  and  to  know  what 
has  been  the  order  of  the  church  in  regard  to  such  things, 
requested  the  Annual  Meeting  to  have  the  minutes  collected 
and  published.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the  under- 
signed were  appointed  a  committee  to  carry  out  the  wish  of 
the  Annual  Meeting.  We  have  used  our  best  endeavors  to 
collect  all  the  minutes  of  our  Annual  Meetings  that  we 
possibly  could  collect,  and  now  publish  them  in  response 
to  the  request  of  the  church. 

"We  have  thought  it  best  to  publish  the  minutes  of  each 
year  separately,  and  to  give  the  names  of  the  brethren,  as 
far  as  we  could  do  so,  who  have  taken  an  active  part  in  the 
labors  of  our  Annual  Meetings — thinking  it'would  be  sat- 
isfactory to  the  brethren  to  have  this  knowledge. 

The  work  is  now  sent  out  with  a  prayerful  desire  that  it 
may  prove  a  blessing,  and  a  means  of  edification  to  our 
brotherhood. 

H.  D.  Davy. 

J.  QUINTER. 


MINUTES 


Annual  Meetings  of  the  Brethren, 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1778. 

After  much,  reflection,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  it  has 
been  concluded  in  union,  that  the  brethren  who  have  taken 
the  attest  should  recall  it  before  a  justice,  and  give  up  their 
certificate,  and  recall  and  apologize  in  their  churches,  and 
truly  repent  for  the  error.  If  they  can  not  do  this,  and 
will  justify  themselves,  the  apostle  exhorts  us  we  should 
withdraw  ourselves  from  every  brother  who  walketh  dis- 
orderly, and  such  a  brother  will  be  deprived  of  the  kiss  of 
fellowship,  of  the  counsel,  and  the  breaking  of  bread,  until 
he  becomes  obedient  again.  Ministers  and  elders  who 
have  taken  the  attest,  and  are  sorry  and  grieved  for  it, 
confessedly  recall  the  matter  before  the  justice  of  the  peace, 
and  in  the  public  church,  counsel  shall  be  held  about  them 
in  their  churches  in  presence  of  one  or  more  ministers  or  over- 
seers to  consider,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  whether  he  or 
such  as  before  mentioned  could  serve  again  in  their  'office. 
But  if  such  minister  or  elder  should  approve  himself  stub- 
bornly, and  justify  his  course,  yea,  even  teach  the  same, 
then  we  can  not  comprehend  how  he  can  be  obedient  to 
the  Spirit  of  Truth,  which  teaches  we  shall  not  touch  the 
unclean  thing,  nor  be  unequally  yoked  together  with  un- 
believers, because  Christ  has  no  concord  with  Belial.   There- 


6  MINUTES   OF 

fore,  we  decide  that  such  laborers  are  unfit  in  the  Lord's- 
vineyard,  and  also  unfit  to  be  members  in  the  church  of 
the  living  God,  until  their  minds  are  changed,  and  they 
speak  again  with  new  tongues,  or  find  their  hearts  with 
David.     May  God  have  mercy  upon  us ! 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1779. 

On  account  of  taking  the  attest,  it  has  been  concluded 
in  union  as  follows:  Inasmuch  as  it  is  the  Lord  our  God 
who  establishes  kings  and  removes  kings,  and  ordains- 
rulers  according  to  his  own  good  pleasure,  and  we  can  not 
know  whether  God  has  rejected  the  king  and  chosen  the 
state,  while  the  king  had  the  government ;  therefore  we 
could  not,  with  a  good  conscience,  repudiate  the  king  and 
give  allegiance  to  the  state.  And  it  seems  to  us  that  tho-se- 
who  have  done  so  have  committed  a  fault,  on  account  of 
which  fault  we  could  not  break  bread  with  them,  but  bear 
with  them  in  love.  But,  if  they  would  come  moved  by 
tbeir  own  conviction,  and  would  make  acknowledgments, 
being  truly  repentant,  then  we  might  forgive  them,  and  we 
believe  God  would  also  forgive  them,  and  we  might  break 
bread  with  them.  But  in  regard  to  the  laborers  (ministers),, 
we  think  they  should  stand  still  in  their  labor,  and  not  bap- 
tize or  administer  in  the  breaking  of  bread.  Should  they,, 
however,  come  convinced  in  themselves  to  have  erred,  and 
show  contrition,  saying,  "We  are  sorry/'  then  we  might 
forgive  them,  and  be  in  full  fellowship  with  them,  yet,  so 
that  the  church  to  which  he  belongs  is  satisfied  with  him,. 
when  he  should  continue  in  his  office.  But  if  such  go  still 
further  in  this  matter,  as  holding  office  (political)  and  so- 
forth,  show  no  sorrow,  and  rather  continue  in  such  course, 
then  they  should  be  also  deprived  of  the  church  council 
and  holy  kiss,  and  nota  bene,  not  only  the  ministers,  but  all 
who  have  taken  this  course. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  TEE  ERETHREN.  7 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1781. 

Article  I.  Inasmuch,  at  the  big  meeting  at  Conestoga, 
last  year,  it  has  been  unanimously  concluded  that  we  should 
not  pay  the  substitute  money ;  but  inasmuch  as  it  has  been 
overlooked  here  and  there,  and  some  have  not  regarded 
it  (sad  conclusion),  therefore  we,  the  assembled  brethren, 
exhort  in  union  all  brethren  in  all  places  to  hold  themselves 
guiltless,  and  take  no  part  in  war  or  blood-shedding,  which 
might  take  place  if  we  would  pay  for  hiring  men  volun- 
tarily; or  more  still,  if  we  would  become  agents  to  collect, 
such  money.  And  inasmuch  some  brethren  have  received 
written  orders  to  tell  the  people,  and  afterwards  collect 
(such  money),  accompanied  by  a  threat  of  a  heavy  fine — 
we  exhort  heartily,  not  to  be  scared  to  do  that  which  is 
not  right.  Still,  we  exhort,  also,  heartily,  that  if  a  brother 
should  be  fined,  there  should  be  provision  made  for  such 
brethren,  and  assistance  rendered  as  far  as  concerns  money. 
In  case  a  brother  or  his  son  should  be  drafted,  that  he  or 
his  son  should  go  to  war,  and  he  could  buy  himself  or 
his  son  from  it,  such  would  not  be  deemed  so  sinful, 
yet  it  should  not  be  given  voluntarily,  without  compul- 
sion. But  where  this  has  been  overlooked,  and  the  sub- 
titute-money  has  been  voluntary,  and  (the  brother)  should 
acknowledge  his  mistake  from  the  heart,  and  repent  it, 
the  church  might  be  satisfied  with  him.  But  when  a 
brother  bears  his  testimony  that  he  can  not  give  his  money 
on  account  of  his  conscience,  and  would  say  to  the  col- 
lector, "If  thou  must  take  it,  then  use  your  authority ;  I 
shall  not  be  in  your  way," — with  such  brother  we  should 
be  also  satisfied.  But  concerning  the  tax,  it  is  considered 
that  on  account  of  the  troublesome  times  (1781,  the  fifth 
year  of  the  Revolutionary  War),  and  in  order  to  avoid  of- 
fense, we  might  follow  the  example  of  Christ  (Matt.  xvn. 
24-27),  yet  if  one  does  not  see  it  so,  and  thinks,  perhaps, 
he,  for  his  conscience'  sake  could  n<5t  pay  it,  but  bear  with 


8  MINUTES   OF 

others  who  pay  in  patience,  we  would  willingly  leave  it 
over,  inasmuch  we  deem  the  overruling  of  the  conscience 
as  wrong. 

Art.  2.  Concerning  distilleries,  we  heartily  counsel  all 
brethren  who  have  distilleries,  that  they  should  by  all 
means  endeavor  to  put  them  away,  in  order  to  escape  from 
the  evil  so  often  arising  from  them,  and  to  avoid  offense, 
and  in  this  the  brethren  are  still  entirely  united  with  the 
conclusion  made  at  Pipe  Creek,  three  years  ago. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1782. 

Concerning  the  unchristian  negro  slave  trade,  it  has  been 
unanimously  considered  that  it  can  not  be  permitted  in  any 
wise  by  the  church,  that  a  member  should  or  could  purchase 
negroes,  or  keep  them  as  slaves.  But  concerning  Brother 
John  Van  L.,  who  had  bought  a  considerable  time  since  a 
negro  wench,  and  the  same  has  given  birth  already,  during 
that  time,  to  four  children  by  fornication,  it  is  the  united 
and  cordial  counsel  of  the  brethren  that  the  said  Brother  L. 
shall  let  the  old  negro  wench  go  free  from  this  time  on,  and 
shall  tell  her  that  she  is  free ;  but  if  she  will  not  leave  him 
after  he  has  given  her  liberty,  then  he  may  enter  with  her 
into  a  contract  for  her  wages.  But  this  setting  free  or 
emancipation  shall  be  done  before  some  brethren,  as  wit- 
nesses of  the  transaction.  Concerning  the  children,  it  is 
also  unitedly  considered  that  he  is  to  give  the  children  free 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  and  is  to  have  them  schooled 
and  provided  with  (food),  raiment,  and-bedding  during  the 
time,  as  it  is  just  and  proper;  and  when  they  are  twenty- 
one  years  old  he  is  to  give  them  a  free  (new)  dress.  Still 
it  is  our  cordial  desire  and  counsel  that  if  the  old  negro 
wench  would  not  like  to  go  away,  he  (who  was  her  master) 
should  use  all  diligence  to  prevent  such  unchaste  life,  and 
lay  it  before  her  earnestly,  and  if  she  would  be  free  to  give 
her  her  free  papers,  etc. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  9 

AX  X  UAL  MEETING  OF  1783. 

Article  1.  At  this  great  meeting  a  unanimous  conclusion 
was  laid  down  with,  regard  to  the  very  offensive  evil  which 
has  endeavored  to  gain  ground  in  the  church,  and  by  which 
already  much  mischief  has  been  done,  while  the  brotherly 
counsel  has  been  repeatedly  given  that  distilleries  (of  ardent 
spirits)  in  the  church  (among  members)  should  be  put  away. 
And  since  there  are  still,  from  time  to  time,  more  erected,  it 
has  been  at  this  time  unanimously  concluded  that  those 
brethren  who  have  distilleries  should  be  earnestly  admon- 
ished to  put  them  out  of  the  way;  and  when  they  have  been 
admonished  in  sincere  love  once  and  again,  and  they  would 
not  obey  the  counsel  of  the  church  and  not  put  away  this 
loathsome  idol,  we  could  not  break  the  bread  of  communion 
with  them,  and  have  to  withdraw,  also,  the  kiss  and  church 
council  from  them  until  they  are  willing  again  to  hear  the 
church,  as  they  have  promised  also  at  first,  at  their  baptism, 
before  God  and  many  witnesses. 

Art.  2.  Concerning  taking  interest,  it  is  considered  that 
no  member  should  take  interest  for  his  money,  inasmuch  in 
the  law  of  God  it  was  expressly  forbidden,  and  Christ  sa}rs 
that  the  Scripture  can  not  be  broken  (John  x.  35) ;  and  inas- 
much the  dear  and  chosen  vessel  and  faithful  apostle,  Paul, 
says  that  Christ  became  the  end  of  the  law,  and  yet  the 
word  of  God,  and  also  divine  knowledge  teaches  that  in 
order  to  become  partakers  of  Christ  it  is  required  to  deny 
ourselves  entirely  of  all  those  things  which  are  contrary  to 
the  word  and  command  of  God ;  therefore,  we  exhort  again 
heartily  and  unitedly,  that  such  members  who  might  be 
involved  in  this  point  should  think  of  better  things,  and 
have  more  regard  and  respect  for  their  denied  Lord  Jesus 
and  his  truth,  and  wish  them  faith  and  the  grace  of  God 
heartily. 


10  MINUTES    OF 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1785. 

Article  1.  Our  cordial  and  united  wish  and  greeting  of 
love  and  peace  to  the  beloved  members,  brethren  and  sisters 
on  South  Branch,  especially  to  the  loving  brethren,  Valen- 
tine Power  and  Martin  Power,  and  all  the  members  iu  your 
vicinity.  We  wish  you  all  much  grace  and  peace  from  God 
the  Father,  through  Jesus  Christ  his  dear  Son,  to  be  faith- 
ful to  him  from  the  bottom  of  the  heart,  according  to  the 
guidance  and  direction  of  his  holy  and  good  Spirit,  even 
unto  a  blessed  and  God-pleasing  end.  Amen.  Inasmuch 
as  we  have  in  part  seen,  and  also  heard,  that  there  has 
arisen  some  difference  in  several  doctrines  among  some 
brethren  of  your  church  and  others,  and  having  also  seen 
the  letter  of  the  loving  brother,  Valentine  Power,  which  he 
has  written  to  the  big  meeting,  and  heard  from  it  his  views 
about "  carrying  on  war,"  which  are  to  be  proved  especially 
from  the  words  of  Peter  (I.  Peter  n.  13, 14),  so  we  have  con- 
sidered and  weighed  the  matter  in  union,  and  we  trust  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord;  but  yet,  for  the  sake  of  the  word  of 
God,  we  could  not  agree  with  such  view,  because  we  do  not 
see  it  so,  and  do  not  understand  so  the  loving  Peter  in  that 
self-same  chapter,  nor  in  his  other  discourses;  but  God 
grant  that  we  may  be  directed  according  to  his  good 
pleasure. 

First,  we  do  not  understand  at  all,  from  the  words  of 
Feter  alluded  to,  that  we*  can  give  ourselves  up  to  do  vio- 
lence, or  that  we  should  submit  to  the  higher  powers  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  make  ourselves  their  instruments  to 
shed  men's  blood,  however  it  might  be  done.  It  is  indeed 
difficult  to  believe  that  Peter,  what  he  teaches  in  one  place 
should  have  rejected  in  another  place;  therefore  we  can  not 
understand  him  thus,  but  that  his  mind  and  admonition  to 
"submit  to  every  ordinance  of  man,"  etc.,  is  something 
different.  The  question  arises,  How  far  or  wherein  are  we 
to  submit  ourselves?  and  this  question  the  loving  Peter 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  ERETHREN.         11 

may  answer  himself.  We  find  (Acts  v.  28)  that  the  higher 
power  to  which  Peter  and  John  were  subjects  had  com- 
manded them  straitly  (in  our  German  version,  earnestly) 
that  they  should  not  teach  in  this  name  (the  name  of  Jesus) 
any  more,  hut  they  (the  apostles)  did  not  obey  herein. 
And  when  they  were  asked  again,  "Did  we  not  straitly 
command  you,"  etc.,  then  Peter  and  the  apostles  answered 
and  said,  "We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  men.''  It 
will  be  well,  whfcn  we  attend  always  to  the  sense  of  Holy 
Writ  strictly;  and  in  the  very  same  chapter  of  Peter 
alluded  to,  we  see  clearly  that  Peter  exhorts  for  conscience 
toward  God  to  endure  grief  and  to  suffer  wrongfully,  and 
says  even  that  Christ  became  in  this  our  example,  that  we 
should  follow  his  steps.  Now,  we  see  that  Christ  always, 
in  all  his  sufferings,  endured  them,  and  that  with  great 
patience,  and  never  resisted  or  defended  himself;  but,  as 
Exeter  says,  "he  committed  himself  to  him  that  judgeth 
righteously."  We  see  farther  that  our  loving  Savior, 
though  innocent,  was  attacked  in  a  murderous  manner  by 
just  such  men  as  Brother  P.  has  mentioned  in  his  letter; 
but  the  Savior  stood  fast  in  the  covenant  of  faithfulness, 
as  the  brother  stated.  In  a  murderous,  manner  he  was 
attacked,  and  Peter  was  quick  and  ready  to  draw  his  sword 
according  to  the  legal  justice  of  God,  and  struck  a  servant, 
and  smote  off  his  ear.  But  what  says  the  Savior :  "  Put  up 
again  thy  sword  into  his  place ;  for  all  they  that  take  the 
sword  shall  perish  with  the  sword."  Here,  indeed,  was  the 
greatest  necessity  (for  self-defense),  but  all  this  time  the 
Savior  resisted  not;  but  he  suffered  patiently,  and  even 
healed  the  one  whose  ear  was  smote  off,  acting  as  it  is  writ- 
ten: "The  righteous  shall  live  by  faith;"  and  again:  "I 
believe,  theretore  I  speak,"  etc.  Thus  our  Savior  had  said 
before,  "That  ye  resist  not  evil;"  for  so  he  believed,  and 
thus  he  spake,  and  thus  he  did. 

Further  says  the  loving  Savior:  "He  that  believeth  on 
me,  as  the  Scripture  has  said,"  etc.  Now  we  will  consider 
a  little  what  already  at  that  time  the  Scripture  was  teach 


12  MINUTES    OF 

ing  about  Christ  aud  his  kingdom;  so  we  see  that  the  holy 
man  of  God,  Isaiah,  says  of  the  time  of  Christ:  "They 
shall  beat  their  swords  into  ploughshares  and  their  spears 
into  pruning-hooks;  nation  shall  not  lift  up  sword  against 
nation,  neither  shall  they  learn  war  any  more."  Isa.  n.  4. 
Again  says  Isaiah  (ix.  5,  German  version) :  "All  war,  with 
confused  noise  and  garments  rolled  in  blood,  shall  be  burut 
with  fire,"  etc.  So  we  believe  where  that  fire  which  Christ 
came  to  kindle,  where  that  fire  burns,  there  will  be  burnt 
all  war,  as  predicted;  for  the  love  to  God  constrains  to  the 
obedience  of  his  commandments,  as  John  teaches,  and  as 
Christ  requires  and  says,  "  If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  command- 
ments;" aud  his  commandments  aim  throughout  at  non- 
resistance. 

So  we  hope  the  dear  brethren  will  not  take  it  amiss  when 
we,  from  all  these  passages  of  Scripture,  and  especially  from 
the  words  of  Peter,  can  not  see  or  find  any  liberty  to  use 
any  (carnal)  sword,  but  only  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which 
is  the  word  of  God,  by  which  we  cast  down  imaginations 
and  every  high  thing  that  exalteth  itself  against  the  knowl- 
edge of  God,  aud  bring  into  captivity  every  thought  to  the 
obedience  of  Christ,  as  Paul  (II.  Cor.  x.  5)  says. 

But  that  the  higher  powers  bear  the  sword  of  justice, 
punishing  the  evil  and  protecting  the  good,  in  this  we 
acknowledge  them  from  the  heart  as  the  ministers  of  God. 
But  the  sword  belongeth  to  the  kingdom  of  the  world,  and 
Christ  says  to  his  disciples :  "  I  have  chosen  you  from  the 
world,"  etc.  Thus  we  understand  the  beloved  Peter,  that 
we  are  to  submit  ourselves  in  all  things  that  are  not  con- 
trary to  the  will  or  command  of  God,  aud  no  further. 

Aud  as  to  the  swearing  of  oaths,  we  believe  the  word  of 
Christ,  that  in  all  things  which  we  are  to  testify,  we  shall 
testify  what  is  yea,  or  what  is  true  with  yea,  aud  what  is 
nay,  or  not  true  with  nay;  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
these  cometh  of  evil.  And  herewith  we  will  conclude  for 
this.     This  we  intended  to  send  you  in  writing  with  our 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  13 

dear  brethren  Daniel  Leathermau,  and  Jacob  Danner,  and 
Henry  Danner. 

"Written  May  15,  1785,  at  the  big  meeting  on  Big  Cone- 
wago,  from  your  brethren,  united  in  love,  Jacob  Saur,  Val- 
entine Pressel,  Mich.  Bosserman,  Martin  Reinhart,  David 
Studebaker,  Peter  Dierdorf,  Martin  Urner,  Jacob  Stoll, 
Christian  Longenecker,  Henry  NefT,  Lorenz  Beckner, 
Philip  Lewig. 

Art.  2.  Further  it  was  discussed,  and  unanimously  con- 
sidered, that  no  brother  should  permit  his  sons  to  go  on 
the  muster  ground,  much  less  that  a  brother  go  himself. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1788. 

Article  I.  Resolved,  unanimously,  that  hereafter  no 
member  of  the  church,  whether  brother  or  sister,  under  no 
pretext  whatever,  should  go  from  church  to  church,  or 
from  house  to  house,  to  collect  alms ;  but  where  there  is 
any  want  or  distress  of  a  member  (greater  than  the  church 
to  which  he  or  she  belongs  is  able  to  relieve),  the  church 
shall  state  the  case  in  writing,  and  send  it  to  the  next 
church,  if  necessary  by  the  member  himself,  and  if  in  that 
church  full  relief  could  not  be  obtained,  the  writing  should 
be  renewed  until  relief  is  accomplished,  if  even  it  were 
necessary  to  call  upon  all  the  churches.  And  we  deem  it 
proper  that  every  church  should  state  on  the  writing  how 
much  is  yet  lacking. 

Art.  2.  The  next  was  almost  equally  important,  inas- 
much it  has  happened  that  members  have  moved  from  one 
section  of  the  country  to  another,  and  improprieties  had 
been  committed  by  them  in  the  place  from  whence  they 
moved,  which  are  such  as  reflect  no  honor  on  the  doctrine 
of  the  Lord,  nor  either  on  (our)  Christian  profession,  so 
that  we  had  to  withdraw  from  them  the  kiss  of  charity, 


14  MINUTES   OF 

and  they  concealed  this  at  the  place  where  they  had  moved 
to,  and  sometimes  it  was  discovered  afterward,  so  that  of- 
fense of  tender  minds  might  result  therefrom  ;  we  conclude, 
likewise,  and  find  it  more  proper  and  perfect,  that  such 
removing  family  or  member  should  bring  a  certificate  from 
the  church  where  they  leave,  to  the  church  to  which  they 
move. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1789. 

Article  1.  At  the  council  meeting  of  the  brethren  it 
was  in  union  deemed  good  and  necessary,  and  we  feel  it 
also  to  be  our  duty,  to  counsel  as  follows :  Inasmuch  we 
deem  it  our  duty,  obligation,  and  office  to  see  to  it  that 
union,  tranquility,  and  peace  be  maintained,  that  all  should 
be  united  and  of  one  mind,  so  that  we  may,  according  to 
the  commandment  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ, 
love  one  another  sincerely,  and  be  enabled  to  love  as  he 
has  given  us  a  commandment,  by  which  it  shall  be  known 
that  we  are  his  disciples ;  therefore,  it  is  our  desire  that 
every  grievance  and  every  offense  might  be  put  out  of  the 
way ;  and  inasmuch  there  is  a  grievance  and  offense  on 
account  of  the  distilleries  of  ardent  spirits,  because  the 
old  brethren  could  not  allow  them,  and  sad  experience  has 
taught  us  that  almost  whole  families  are  gone  to  destruc- 
tion, and  the  children  have  fallen  into  drunkenness  and  a 
rowdy  life,  the  brethren  some  years  ago  came  to  the  con- 
clusion that  they  should  be  done  away.  But  this  has  not 
yet  been  done;  but  there  have  been  more  bought  and 
established  since,  and  the  evil  is-still  growing.  This  makes 
a  grievance  and  offense,  that  hardly  one  church  can  break 
bread  with  the  other,  and  as  has  happened  already,  that 
brethren  out  of  love  had  come  a  considerable  distance,  but 
when  they  saw  that  brethren  who  had  distilleries  went  to 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         15 

communion,  they  had  to  remain  away,  and  go  home  again 
in  grief,  because  they  had  not  been  able  to  partake  of  the 
memorial  of  the  death  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  ac- 
count of  this  grievous  and  offensive  thing.  Thus  grief, 
disunion,  and  division  are  brought  upon  the  church.  For 
this  cause  we  beseech  earnestly  all  brethren  who  have  dis- 
tilleries to  be  diligent  to  put  them  away;  and  hereby 
exhort  in  heartfelt  and  humble  love,  all  our  much  beloved 
fellow  laborers  in  God,  to  use  herein  diligence  in  admon- 
ishing each  member  to  obey  this  counsel  of  love,  so  that 
peace,  love,  and  union  may  be  planted  and  restored.  But 
whosoever  is  not  willing  to  deny  himself,  as  it  should  be 
indeed,  and  can  not  or  will  not,  out  of  love,  obey  this  our 
loving  counsel,  then  we  can  not  consider  him  otherwise 
but  as  such  who  has  not  yet  died  (to  sin),  and  is  not  yet 
risen  with  Christ  in  newness  of  life,  and  that  he  seeks  more 
the  things  temporal  than  eternal;  more  the  things  on  earth 
than  those  in  heaven ;  more  the  things  that  pass  away  than 
the  things  that  remain,  and  that  he  is  in  great  danger  to 
lose  the  everlasting  treasure. 

Art.  2.  Inasmuch  as  many  of  our  children  and  young 
people  fall  into  a  coarse  life,  and  a  great  occasion  of  it  seems 
to  be  a  want  that  there  is  not  sufficient  diligence  used  in 
instructing  the  children  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
given  by  Moses  in  Deut.  vi.  7,  where  we  read:  "And  thou 
shalt  teach  them  (these  words  which  I  command  thee  this 
day)  diligently  unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  talk  of  them 
when  thou  sittest  in  thy  house,  and  when  thou  walkest  by 
the  way,  and  when  thou  liest  down,  and  when  thou  risest 
up;"  and  also  the  apostle  Paul  says  (Ephes.  vr.  4),  that 
parents  should  "bring  them  (their  children)  up  in  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord;"  it  is  opinion  (and  ad- 
vice) that  there  should  be  used  more  diligence  to  instruct  our 
dear  youth  and  children  in  the  word  of  truth  to  their  sal- 
vation, and  that  it  is  the  special  duty  of  the  dear  parents, 
as  well  as  of  the  pastors  and  teachers,  to  be  engaged  herein, 


16  MINUTES    OF 

inasmuch  as  the  apostle  teaches,  "Feed  the  flock  of  God 
which  is  among  you,  taking  the  oversight  thereof."  I.  Pet. 
v.  2).  And  inasmuch  as  the  children  of  the  faithful  belong 
to  the  flock  of  Christ,  just  as  naturally  as  the  lambs  belong 
to  the  flock  of  sheep;  and  inasmuch  as  the  word  can  be 
brought  nearer  to  the  hearts  of  children  in  a  simple  con- 
versation or  catechisation,  or  however  it  may  be  called, 
than  otherwise  in  a  long  sermon,  so  that  they  apprehend 
the  word  of  divine  truth,  believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  accept 
his  doctrine  and  commandments,  and  walk  therein  to  their 
eternal  salvation — hence  we  admonish  in  heartfelt  and 
humble  love  all  our  in  God  much  beloved  fellow  members, 
dear  fathers  and  mothers  of  families,  as  also  pastors  and 
teachers,  our  in  God  much  loved  fellow  laborers,  in  the  dear 
and  worthy  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  has  given 
himself  unto  death  for  us,  that  we  should  die  to  ourselves, 
and  live  to  him  forever,  that  they  would  use  all  possible 
diligence  that  our  dear  youth  might  be  provoked  to  love 
God,  and  to  appreciate  his  word  from  their  childhood.  Do 
not  spare  any  labor  and  toil  to  convince  them  by  our  teach- 
ing and  by  our  life,  not  after  the  manner  which  is  almost 
too  common  nowadays,  where  the  young  are  made  to  learn 
something  by  heart,  and  then  to  rehearse  it  in  a  light, 
thoughtless  manner,  and  then  are  permitted  to  go  on  in  a 
life  as  thoughtless  as  before— but  that  they  may  give  them- 
selves up  to  God  in  an  earnest  life.  The  great  Kewarder 
of  all  good  will  undoubtedly  remunerate  you  ;  for  those 
that  have  done  right  shall  live  forever,  and  the  Lord  is  their 
reward,  and  the  Most  High  provides  for  them ;  they  will 
receive  a  glorious  kingdom  and  a  beautiful  crown  from  the 
hand  of  the  Lord.     Sap.  xvn.  17. 

Art.  3.  Further  it  has  been  discussed,  and  unanimously 
deemed  good  and  evangelical,  that  all  brethren,  in  all 
places,  should  shun  all  worldly  offices,  so  as  not  to  serve  in 
any  of  them,  provided  it  is  possible  to  be  relieved  from 
them — such  as  supervisor,  overseer  of  the  poor,  collector, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         17 

constable,  assessor,oralsojuryrnan, etc.  Yet  it  is  considered, 
with  some  difference,  such  as  supervisor  or  overseer  of  the 
poor  might  be  served,  perhaps,  with  least  objection;  pro- 
vided, there  is  no  suing,  or  something  else  contrary  to  the 
word  of  the  Lord.  If  a  brother  should  be  elected  to  one 
of  these  offices  contrary  to  his  will,  then  only  that  what  he 
would  have  to  do  contrary  to  the  gospel  should  be  rebuked 
in  love  and  compassion,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord. 
Art.  4,  Concerning  marriages  of  near  relations,  especially 
cousins,  was  unanimously  considered,  and  deemed  good  that 
such  marriages  should  not  at  all  be,  and  that  parents  should 
warn  their  children  earnestly  in  this  respect,  so  that  offense 
and  scandal  might  be  prevented,  which  have  been  so  often 
occasioned  by  it,  and  that  our  dear  youth  may  not  in  igno- 
rance be  led  into  something,  where,  perhaps,  afterward 
their  thoughts  might  be  accusing  one  another  about  those 
things  which  can  not  be  altered  any  more,  and  therefore, 
should  be  well  considered  previously  in  the  fear  of  God. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  179C. 

Article  1.  Unanimously  concluded,  that  we  desire  and 
pray  that  the  beloved  brother,  Valentine  P.,  would  desist 
from  his  strange  notion,  because  he  has  renounced  with  us 
before  God,  angels,  and  men,  all  things  that  are  contrary 
to  the  wholesome  doctrine,  and  we  believe  and  confess  that 
Christ  has  forbidden  to  his  followers  the  swearing  of  oaths 
and  partaking  of  war.  Hence  we  must  keep  to  his  word 
and  truth,  and  withdraw  ourselves  from  every  brother  that 
returns  again  to  swearing  and  war.  It  is  impossible  for  us 
to  break  the  bread  of  communion  with  such  a  brother,  who 
pretends  the  higher  powers  were  requiring  such  of  him. 
For  they  can  not  compel  us,  if  they  would,  because  we  are 
to  obey  God  rather  than  men.     But  now,  thanks  to  God, 


18  MINUTES    OF 

we  have  such  a  government  that  will  not  require  of  us. 
what  is  against  our  conscience.  But  should  there  be  any 
among  us  having  such  a  conscience  as_to  be  able  to  fight  and 
swear  oaths,  such  a  one  would  not  be  ot  us ;  neither  would 
we  break  the  bread  of  communion  with  a  minister  that 
would  baptize  backward,  contrary  to  our  faith. 

Art.  2.  At  a  (large  and)  numerous  meeting  of  brethren 
on  the  Schuylkill,  at  (the  place  of)  Bro.  John  Bach,  May 
22, 1790,  the  following  was  unanimously  concluded  by  the 
brethren,  viz. :  We  wish  and  desire  that  the  dear  brother, 
V.  P.,  would  desist  from  his  strange  notion,  because  he  has 
renounced  with  us  before  God,  angels,  and  men  every 
thing  which  is  contrary  to  wholesome  doctrine,  and  we  be- 
lieve and  profess  that  Christ  has  prohibited  to  his  followers 
the  swearing  of  oaths  and  the  partaking  in  war.  Hence 
we  must  hold  fast  to  His  truth  and  word,  and  withdraw 
ourselves  from  every  such  brother  who  will  justify  swear- 
ing of  oaths  and  warfare.  It  is  impossible  for  us  to  break 
the  bread  of  communion  with  such  a  brother,  even  if  he 
would  allege  that  the  powers  that  be  require  us  to  do  so. 
For  our  rulers  could  not  do  it,  if  they  would,  because  we 
must  obey  God  more  than  men.  But  now,  thanks  be  to 
God,  we  have  such  a  government  that  will  not  require  ot 
us  such  contrary  to  (the  dictates  of)  our  conscience.  But 
if  there  should  be  some  one  among  us  that  had  such  a  con- 
science, that  he  could  fight  and  swear  oaths,  such  a  one 
would  not  be  of  us. 

Likewise,  we  could  not  break  the  bread  of  communion 
with  a  ministering  brother  who  would,  contrary  to  our 
views,  baptize  backward. 

Signed  in  the  great  meeting,  in  the  name  and  with  the 
consent  of  all  the  assembled  brethren. 

George  Preiss,  Martin  Meyer,  Michael  Frantz,  Daniel 
Bollinger,  John  Landes,  Christian  Lawshe,  Justus  Fuchs, 
Martin  Gaby,  Peterj  Keyser,  Sander  Mack,  Nathaniel 
Schreiber,  David  Kuutze,  Martin  Urner,  Peter  Leibert,  Ja- 
cob Boeshor,  Jacob  Danner,  Abraham  Lawshe. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  TEE  BRETHREN-         19 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1793. 

Article  1.  Inasmuch  as  God  has  commanded  his  ancient 
people  Israel,  by  Moses,  and  said,  "There  shall  be  no  beg- 
gar among  you  (German  translation),  for  the  Lord  shall 
greatly  bless  thee  in  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giv- 
eth  thee  for  an  inheritance  to  possess  it,"  etc.  Lent  xv.  4. 
And  says  further,  "  If  there  be  among  you  a  poor  man  of 
thy  brethren  within  any  of  thy  gates  in  thy  land  which 
the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  thou  shalt  not  harden  thy 
heart,  nor  shut  thy  hand  from  thy  poor  brother;  but  thou 
shalt  open  thy  hand  wide  unto  him,  and  shall  surely  lend 
him  sufficient  for  his  need  in  that  which  he  wanteth." 
And  says  again,  "Beware  that  there  be  not  a  thought  in 
thy  wicked  heart,  saying,"  etc.  "Thou  shalt  freely  give 
him,  and  thy  heart  shall  not  be  grieved  when  thou  givest 
unto*  him;  because  that  for  this  thing  the  Lord  thy  God 
shall  bless  thee  in  all  thy  works,  and  in  all  thou  puttest  thy 
hand  unto."  And  again  says,  "  For  the  poor  shall  never 
cease  out  of  the  land;  therefore  I  command  thee,  saying, 
Thou  shalt  open  thy  hand  wide  unto  thy  brother,  to  thy 
poor,  and  to  thy  needy  in  thy  land,"  etc.  Deut.  xv.  7-11. 
And  the  apostle  James  says,  "Hearken,  my  beloved  breth- 
ren, hath  not  God  chosen  the  poor  of  this  world  rich  in 
faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom,"  etc.  James  n.  5.  And 
inasmuch  it  has  happened  by  bad  people,  that  such  as  were 
actually  poor  have  been  robbed  of  their  gifts  by  men  going 
about  and  pretending  to  be  brethren,  have  asked  assistance, 
which  they  have  afterward  spent  in  taverns  by  drinking  and 
gambling;  now,  in  order  to  prevent  such  deception,  some 
years  ago,  at  a  large  meeting  in  Conestoga,it  was  resolved 
unanimously  that  no  member  should"  go  from  church  to 
church,  or  from  house  to  house,  to  collect  alms,  etc.  And 
inasmuch  as  members  have  been  imposed  upon  since  in  a 
deceitful  manner,  therefore  we  have  concluded  again  in  this 
present  great  meeting  unanimously,  that  hereafter  no  mem- 


20  MINUTES    OF 

ber  shall  be  allowed  to  go  himself  to  another  church ;  but 
if  there  should  be  found  a  member  in  want  or  distress,  the 
overseer  in  the  church  where  such  member  lives  is  to  hold 
counsel  with  the  church,  in  order  to  see  whether  they  would 
relieve  the  want,  and  if  so,  it  should  not  go  any  further; 
but  if  not,  then  the  overseer,  with  the  counsel  of  the  church, 
should  send  a  letter  to  the  adjoining  church  with  a  brother 
of  his  church,  and  if  there  the  want  can  be  relieved,  it  shall 
go  no  further ;  but  if  the  want  be  not  redressed  then  accord- 
ing to  the  finding  of  that  church,  it  should  be  proceeded 
in  the  same  manner  from  that  to  the  next  church,  until  relief 
is  obtained ;  so  that  our  loving  brethren  and  members,  who, 
according  to  the  doctrine  of  Paul,  are  willing  to  do  good 
unto  all  men,  especially  unto  them  who  are  of  the  household 
of  faith  (Gal.  vi.  10),  may  no  longer  be  imposed  upon  in 
such  deceitful  manner.  This  is  not  to  be  understood  that 
we  should  not  do  good,  also,  to  those  poor  without  the 
church,  etc. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1794. 

Article  1.  Concerning  the  ban,  we  would  very  readily 
deny  ourselves  so  much  for  our  brethren's  sake,  so  as  to 
drop  the  Jewish  word  "ban."  But  the  ordinance  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  and  his  holy  apostles  we  can  not  give  up,  even 
for  our  brethren's  sake,  namely  :  "  If  any  man  that  is  called 
a  brother  is  a  fornicator,  or  covetous,  or  an  idolater,  or  a 
railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or  an  extortioner :  with  such  a  one 
no  not  to  eat."  I.  Cor.  v.  11.  Here  we  see  clearly  that 
Paul  does  not  mean  only  the  eating  in  (the  Lord's)  Supper, 
but  all  eating  (in  his  company).  This  is  shown  in  the 
foregoing  verse  very  plainly,  when  it  says,  "  Yet  not  alto- 
gether with  the  fornicators  of  this  world,"  etc.  Otherwise 
we  might  eat  the  bread  of  communion  with  the  fornica- 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  21 

tors  of  this  "world,  which  certainly  he  can  not  have  meant 
at  all. 

Art.  2.  We  hear  that  there  arises  a  strange  doctrine,  or 
rather  opinion,  among  the  brethren  in  Carolina,  and  that 
some  brethren  are  grieved  about  this  matter,  because  some 
believe,  say,  and  teach  the  following,  viz. : 

1.  That  there  is  no  other  heaven  but  that  in  man. 

2.  That  there  is  no  other  hell  but  that  in  man. 

3.  That  God  has  no  form  or  shape ;  and  if  a  person 
would  worship  God,  and  would  conceive  in  his  mind  God 
as  in  the  human  form ;  would  imagine  or  believe  that  God 
had  an  appearance  like  a  man,  such  person  would  do  the 
same  as  one  who  would  worship  a  horse  or  any  other 
beast. 

4.  That  God  had  no  anger,  and  would  punish  no  per- 
son on  account  of  his  sins. 

5.  That  the  dead  rise  not ;  for  out  of  the  grave  nothing 
would  come  forth. 

6.  That  they  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  ban  (or 
excommunication.) 

For  this  cause  some  brethren  desire  to  hear  the  views  or 
minds  of  the  brethren  (in  general  council),  and  therefore 
we  inform  the  loving  brethren,  that  the  view  or  doctrine 
of  the  old  brethren  is,  that  we  are  to  believe  as  the  Scrip- 
ture has  said.  For  Christ  says,  "He  that  believeth  on  me, 
as  the  Scripture  has  said,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers 
of  living  water."  John  vir.  38.  Further  he  says,  "The 
Scriptures  can  not  be  broken."  John  x.  35.  Again,  we 
see  that  Christ  in  his"  whole  life  has  looked  upon  the 
•Scriptures,  and  has  fulfilled  them  in  all  things.  For  when 
they  came,  and  Peter  struck  with  the  sword,  the  Lord  said, 
"  Put  up  again  thy  sword  into  his  place,  for  all  they  that 
take  the  sword  shall  perish  by  the  sword.  Thinkest  thou 
that  I  can  not  now  pray  to  my  Father,  and  he  shall  pres- 
ently give  me  more  than  twelve  legions  of  angels?"  But 
.how  then  shall  the  Scripture  be  fulfilled,  that  thus  it  must  be  ?  " 
Matt.  xxvi.  50-54. 


22  MINUTES   OF 

Bow,  to  come  to  the  before-mentioned  points  or  propo- 
sitions, our  dear  brethren  will  not  think  hard  of  us  because 
we  believe  as  it  is  written,  and  believe  also  with  David,  that 
the  word  of  the  Lord  is  well  refined,  and  a  true  doctrine, 
and  that  we  also  believe  with  Paul,  that  it  is  our  duty  to 
bring  into  captivity  every  thought  (all  reason,  says  the  Ger- 
man) to  the  obedience  of  Christ,  etc. 

1.  Now,  to  come  to  the  word  about  heaven.  Says  Moses 
(Gen.  i.  1),  "In  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven  and 
the  earth;  and  the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void." 
Then  no  man  was  created  yet,  and  Moses  calls  something 
heaven,  that  is  not  in  man.  And  (Acts  I.  9)  it  we  read, 
"And  when  he  had  spoken  these  things,  while  they  beheld, 
he  was  taken  up;  and  a  cloud  received  him  out  of  their 
sight.  And  while  they  looked  steadfastly  toward  heaven 
as  he  went  up,  behold,  two  men  stood  by  them  in  white 
apparel,  which  also  said,  Ye  men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye 
gazing  up  into  heaven?  This  same  Jesus  which  is  taken 
up  from  you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as 
ye  have  seen  him  go  into  heaven."  Here  we  see  that  there 
is  a  heaven  up  on  high. 

2.  "That  there  be  no  other  hell  but  that  in  man."  We 
read  (Luke  xv.  22,  tf)  about  the  rich  man,  that  he  died  and 
that  he  also  was  buried.  Now,  it  is  without  contradiction 
that  when  he  died  his  soul  and  spirit  had  departed  from  the 
body,  and  had  found,  it  seems,  according  to  the  word,  the 
hell  in  which  he  suffered  torments.  So  we  think  it  would 
be  well  for  us,  if  we  would  on  this  point  or  word  "hell" 
apply  the  doctrine  of  Paul,  not  to  dispute  about  words ;  for 
we  can  notice  in  Holy  Writ  that  the  word  hell  is  used  for 
different  things.  But  we  believe,  as  it  is  written,  that  there 
is  a  lake  of  fire  or  place  of  torment,  in  many  places  men- 
tioned, which,  according  to  the  word,  is  outside  of  man,  as- 
we  read  plainly  (Matt.  xxv.  41)  where  Christ  says,  "  Depart 
from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the 
devil  and  his  angels."     Here  we  see  clearly  that  the  lake  of 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         23 

fire  is  not  in  man,  because  men  are  sent  into  the  lake  of  fire, 
and  it  says  not  that  the  fire  should  go  into  the  men. 

3.  "  That  God  has  no  shape  or  form ;  and  if  a  person 
would  worship  God,  and  would  conceive  in  his  mind  and 
believe  God  having  a  form  like  a  man,  such  person  would 
do  the  same  as  if  he  worshiped  a  horse  or  any  other  beast." 
This,  it  seems  to  us,  is  speaking  very  derogatory  of  God,  or 
against  God,  though  we  believe,  also,  from  the  heart  that 
God  is  a  Spirit,  as  Christ  himself  says,  and  that  the  true 
worshipers  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  But  not  at 
all  contrary  to  this  says  John,  "  In  the  beginning  was  the 
Word,  and  the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was 
God."  And  further  on,  "And  the  Word  was  made  flesh, 
and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld  his  glory,"  etc.  Here 
God  has  put  on  a  visible  form.  Now,  to  be  sure,  in  his  wor- 
ship man  should  not  imagine  a  form  or  likeness  of  God; 
but  if  it  should  happen  that  a  person  or  disciple  would,  in 
his  worship  in  simplicity  and  sincerity  toward  God,  look  to 
God  in  the  person  or  appearance  of  Christ,  we  consider  it 
far  less  culpable  than  for  a  man  to  worship  a  horse  or  some 
other  beast,  and  deem  this  a  very  unbecoming  expression. 

4.  "That  God  has  no  anger,  and  punishes  no  person  for 
his  sins."  Now,  we  believe  also  with  John,  "that  God  is 
love;  and  that  he  that  dwelleth  in  love,  dwelleth  in  God, 
and  God  in  him  ; "  and  that  God  is  not  angry  like  an  uncon- 
verted man,  but  that  penal  judgments  proceed  from  love  to 
the  human  family.  Yet  notwithstanding  the  holy  Script- 
ures or  the  men  of  God  in  Holy  Writ  call  God's  judgment 
God's  wrath,  as  Psalm  xc.  11,  "  Who  knoweth  the  power  of 
thine  anger?  Even  according  to  thy  fear,  so  is  thy  wrath." 
Again,Johnthe  Baptist  says  (John  in.  36),"He  that  believeth 
on  the  Son  hath  everlasting  life;  andhethatbelievethnotthe 
Son  shall  not  see  life,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  Mm" 
And  that  the  Lord  would  punish  no  man  for  his  sin,  we 
deem  to  be  an  error.  Christ  says  himself,  "  Suppose  ye  that 
these  Galileans  were  sinners  above  all  the  Galileans,  because 


24  MINUTES    OF 

they  suffered  such  things?     I  tell  you,  nay;  but  except  ye 
repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish."     Luke  xnr.  2,  3. 

5.  "That  the  dead  rise  not,  for  out  of  the  grave  nothing 
would  come  forth."  We  believe,  as  Christ  says  (John  v.  28), 
"The  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves 
shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall  come  forth,"  etc.  So  we  read 
(Matt,  xxvii.  51,  52),  "The  earth  did  quake,  and  the  rocks 
rent,  and  the  graves  were  opened,  and  many  bodies  of  the 
saints  which  slept  arose,  and  came  out  of  the  graves,"  etc. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1797. 

Article  1.  It  was  considered  good,  and  also  concluded 
unanimously,  that  no  brother  or  sister  should  have  negroes  as 
slaves;  and  in  case  a  brother  or  sister  had  such,  he  (or  she) 
has  to  set  them  free.  And  in  case  a  person  is  drawn  by  the 
grace  of  God,  who  has  negroes,  and  desires  to  be  received 
into  the  church,  then  it  is  to  be  laid  before  him  (or  her) 
before  being  received  by  baptism  into  the  church,  that  it  is 
the  brotherly  and  united  counsel  that  brethren  and  members 
having  negroes  for  slaves,  and  thinking  that  they  could  not 
at  once  emancipate  them,  may  hold  them  so  long  as  the 
nearest  church  may  deem  that  they  had  earned  the  money, 
and  then,  according  to  the  counsel  of  the  church,  to  let  their 
slaves  go  out  free,  with  a  good  suit  of  wearing  apparel  (frei 
kleid)  as  is  given  to  a  white  serve.  And  if  they  (the  slaves) 
have  children,  they  shall  stay  with  the  brother  as  servants 
until  they  are  twenty-five  years  old;  he  is  to  have  them 
taught  reading  and  writing,  and  bring  them  up  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  and  when  they  enter  upon  their  (26)  twenty- 
sixth  year,  to  let  them  go  out  free  with  a  good  suit  of  clothing 
(frei  kleid).  Further  it  is  considered,  if  a  brother,  contrary 
to  this  conclusion,  would  purchase  negroes,  and  would  not 
emancipate  them,  he  would  have  to  be  considered  as  diso- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         25 

bedient,  and  we  could  have  no  fellowship  with  him  until 
he  sets  them  free. 

Art.  2.. It  was  in  union  concluded,  that  if  a  brother  or 
sister  should  commit  a  fault  or  sin,  that  were  not  between 
brother  and  brother,  but  open  before  the  world,  then  the 
church  is  to  examine,  and  if  the  fault  is  not  so  criminal 
that  the  church  is  compelled  to  cut  him  oft'  entirely,  ac- 
cording to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  the  failing  member 
acknowledges  and  repents  for  his  sin,  such  should  make  a 
public  acknowledgment  in  presence  of  belivers  and  unbe- 
lievers. But  if  he  should  harden  his  heart,  and  would  not 
be  obedient  to  the  counsel  of  the  church,  then  the  mem- 
bers could  not  have  fellowship  with  him  until  such  time  he 
becomes  willing  to  acknowledge  and  to  obey,  and  then  the 
whole  church  should  heartily  pardon  and  forgive  him,  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  (See  also 
"Acknowledgments") 

Art.  3.  It  was  in  union  concluded,  that  the  holy  kiss 
and  the  kiss  of  charity  should  not  be  neglected,  since  in 
some  places  it  is  almost  entirely  omitted ;  but  according  to 
the  words  of  the  apostles,  we  should  prove  ourselves  on  all 
occasions  as  disciples  of  Jesus,  and  be  steadfast  in  brother- 
ly love ;  and  notwithstanding  all  disgrace,  we  should  not 
be  ashamed  of  the  word  and  following  of  Christ. 

Art.  4.  From  James  v.  14,  etc.,  the  brethren  testified 
unanimously,  "  That  the  sick  who  desire  and  call  for  it 
should  be  anointed,  according  to  the  word  of  the  holy 
apostle,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

Art.  5.  The  case  was  presented  of  married  people  sep- 
arating from  one  another,  and  then  the  one  party  marry- 
ing again,  thus  committing  adultery.  Afterward  the  other 
party  also  marries  again,  and  then  the  latter  comes  to  the 
church  and  desires  to  be  received  by  baptism  as  a  member 
in  the  church,  and  it  was  considered  that  if  the  church 
was  agreed,  and  the  applicant  should  heartily  repent,  con- 
fess, and  acknowledge  the  fault  (and  especially  if  the  first 


26  MINUTES    OF 

companion  would  be  dead  by  this  time),  we  might  include 
such  person  within  the  (bounds  of  the)  mercy  and  merits 
of  Jesus,  and  receive  as  a  member  by  baptism. 

Art.  6.  At  the  yearly  meeting  on  Blackwater,  Va.,  in 
1797,  "It  was  concluded  in  union  that  when  a  brother  or 
sister  should  commit  a  fault  which  was  not  between  brother 
and  brother,  but  public  before  the  world,  the  church  is  to 
investigate  the  case,  and  if  the  fault  was  not  so  criminal  as 
to  compel  the  church  to  cut  him  off  entirely,  according 
to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  the  failing  member  sees  it 
and  is  sorry  for  his  sin,  then  he  should  make  a  public  ac- 
knowledgment in  the  presence  of  the  believers  and  the 
unbelieving.  But  if  he  should  harden  his  heart,  and  would 
not  obey  the  counsel  of  the  church,  then  members  could 
not  have  communion  with  such  until  the  time  when  he  be- 
comes willing  to  acknowledge  and  to  obey." 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1798. 

Article  1.  It  has  been  made  known  to  us  that  last  fall,  at 
the  great  council  meeting  of  the  brethren  in  Virginia,  there 
was  some  discussion  on  account  of  the  different  views  of 
the  brethren,  especially  those  in  Carolina,  where  a  brother 
minister,  by  name  John  H.,  has  defended  himself  in  the 
name  of  his  whole  church  before  many  brethren  in  public, 
and  brought  to  light  many  of  his  own  sentiments,  in  so  far 
that  the  brethren  who  still  hold  fast  to  the  word  of  truth, 
according  to  their  best  knowledge,  could  not  break  the  bread 
of  communion  with  said  John  H. ;  would,  however,  in  such 
serious  circumstances,  not  lightly  make  a  full  conclusion 
without  hearing  first,  also,  the  mind  of  their  beloved  old, 
and  by  many  temptations,  established  brethren  ;  hence  this 
is  to  inform  our  dear  brethren  in  North  Carolina  that  the 
case  has  been  presented  to  the  brethren  by  those  brethren 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE   BRETHREN.  27 

who  have  seen  John  H.  himself,  and  have  heard  from  him 
many  of  his  what  can  scarcely  be  called  doctrines,  but  rather 
perverse  apprehensions  of  Holy  Writ,  and  have  quite  unani- 
mously concluded  that  we  can  not  hold  said  John  H.,  and 
all  who  are  of  his  mind,  as  brethren  as  long  as  they  do  not 
acknowledge  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  and  his  apostles  as  a  true 
doctrine  sent  Ironi  God  unto  salvation,  and  publicly  confess, 
according  to  which  doctrine  we  are  to  prove  all  the  spirits 
and  powers  operating  in  us,  and  necessarily  must;  for  we 
believe  and  confess,  with  David,  that  the  word  of  the  Lord 
is  a  true  doctrine  and  well  refined;  therefore  we  can  not 
acknowledge  such  as  our  brethren  any  more  while  they  con- 
tradict the  Holy  Scriptures  in  many  points.  This  we,  the 
undersigned  brethren,  confess  and  testify  to  hold  them  as 
other  people  out  of  the  church  as  long  as  they  do  not  seek 
and  keep  house  according  to  the  Scripture. 

Signed  by  the  brethren. 

P.  S. — (Copy.)  This  is  to  certify  that  I  heard  John  II. 
say  in  his  preaching  that  it  would  be  no  more  sin  to  him  to 
get  upon  the  top  of  the  barn  that  he  was  in,  and  preaching 
in,  and  swear  and  blaspheme  all  the  new-found  oaths  and 
curses,  than  to  pray  to  God  to  forgive  him  his  sins,  or  to 
bless  him  in  any  respect;  and  he  said  he  had  not  served 
such  a  God  that  required  the  prayers  of  human  creatures 
to  forgive  them  their  sins,  or  to  bless  them  in  any  manner, 
these  seven  years,  nor  never  would.  These  are  the  words 
I  heard,  as  near  as  I  can  remember. 

Per  me,   Samuel  Van  Etten,- 
J  ohannes  Keller. 


28  MINUTES    OF 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1799. 

Article  1.  "Whereas,  there  has  existed  for  a  long  time  a 
great  difficulty  between  Bro.  C.  L.  and  Bro.  J.  Z.,  the  over- 
seers of church ;  and  whereas,  there  have  been  ex- 
pressed very  grave  accusations  and  hard  sayings  by  C.  L. 
against  some  brethren,  who  shall  be  named  hereafter,  it  has 
come  to  pass  that  Bro.  C.  L.  has  selected  six  brethren,  and 
J.  Z.  has  also  selected  six  brethren,  and  they  (both)  have 
agreed  to  obey  or  submit  to  the  advice  or  united  counsel 
of  those  brethren,  to  which  also  the  members  (of  the  church) 
have  consented.  So  we  have  assembled  ourselves,  we  trust, 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  with  a  fervent  prayer  to  God 
that  he  would  bless  our  hearts  with  wisdom  and  under- 
standing, in  order  to  be  enabled  to  counsel  our  dear  breth- 
ren wisely,  and  to  come  to  conclusions  evangelical,  or  ac- 
cording to  the  doctrine  of  the  gospel.  And  after  having 
heard  the  complaints  and  accusations  (of  both  sides),  we 
have  become  entirely  agreed,  and  believe  all  that  Bro.  L. 
has  done  grossly  wrong  against  Bro.  Z.,  and  also  against 
brethren  A.  M.  and  M.  U.'s  transactions,  and  against  J.  L. 
and  J.  St.,  and  whatsoever  else  might  have  been  done  (of 
the  same  nature). 

Further,  we  believe  also  that  wrong  has  been  committed 
by  J.  Z.  against  L.,  but  not  so  grossly  as  Bro.  L.  has  done. 
Hence  it  is  our  unanimous  conclusion,  that  when  C.  L. 
believes  in  his  heart  and  cordially  makes  acknowledgment 
before  this  present  brotherly  and  member-meeting,   and 

also  before (his  own)  meeting,  and  asks  for  pardon, 

and  also  makes  heartfelt  confession  for  the  suspicious  (and 
offensive)  expressions  against  the  old  brethren,  and  against 
L.  St.,  then  we  will,  and  it  is  hoped  the  members  will,  bear 
with  him  in  patience,  and  he  may  continue  to  serve  as  over- 
seer in  "W.  church.  And  what  concerns  Z.,  we  have  agreed, 
that  when  he  makes  acknowledgment  before  the  members 
that  he  has  also  done  wrong,  and  asks  pardon,  he  shall  also 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         29 

serve  as  overseer  with  L.,  yet  so  that  in  important  matters, 
such  as  baptism,  breaking  of  bread,  receiving  and  exclud- 
ing (members),  he  should  not  go  on  without  L.'s  knowl- 
edge and  consent ;  but  with  regard  to  holding  meetings, 
attending  funerals,  and  solemnizing  marriages,  he  shall 
have  equal  liberty  with  Bro.  L.  Now,  whoever  of  them 
will  not  submit  to  this  above  stated  counsel  and  conclu- 
sion shall  stand  still  in  his  office,  until  he  is  willing  to  ac- 
cept it,  and  when  it  is  accepted  of  both,  there  shall  be  here- 
after no  more  heard  of  those  things  which  are  past. 

Unanimously  concluded  by  us,  the  subscribers  :  Martin 
Urner,  Martin  Gaby,  Henry  Danner,  Peter  Leibert,  Jacob 
Danner,  Philip  Engler,  Michael  Pfoutz,  Martin  Garber, 
Daniel  Utz,  Philip  Levy,Valentine  Pressel,  Stephen  Ulrich. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1800. 

Article  1.  (On  account  of  brethren  in  Carolina.)  It  has 
been  made  known  to  us  that  the  brethren  in  Carolina  desire 
to  be  informed  more  plainly  concerning  the  conclusion 
made  at  the  big  meeting  on  Little  Conewago,  May  26, 1798, 
where  it  was  concluded  in  union  about  Brother  John  H., 
and  all  who  are  of  his  mind,  that  we  could  have  no  fellow- 
ship with  him  (and  them)  as  long  as  they  persisted  in  their 
erroneous  doctrine  contrary  toHoly  Scripture.  And  since 
it  is  requested  to  inform  them  why  and  for  what  cause  it 
was  done,  we  should  specify  by  name  the  causes  for  which 
we  can  bave  no  more  fellowship  with  John  H.  and  his  sym- 
pathizers— this  is  to  further  inform  them  that  the  chief 
causes  were  alreadv  mentioned  in  a  letter  from  the  bis:  meet- 
ing  held  on  Shenandoah,  Virginia,  October  20, 1794,  as  fol- 
lows, viz.;  that  there  arises  a  strange  doctrine,  or  rather 
opinion,  among  the  brethren  in  Carolina,  and  that  other 
brethren  are  grieved  by  the  same.     (The  six  points  are  given 


30  MINUTES    OF 

in  Minutes  of  1794.)  These  six  chief  points  have  been 
specified  in  the  above-mentioned  letter  ot  the  big  meeting, 
with  the  answer,  as  the  old  brethren  have  given  their  views 
and  doctrine  in  refutation,  which  letter,  as  we  presume,  has 
been  sent  to  the  brethren  in  Carolina,  and  they  are  all  de- 
sired to  read  the  same  at  pleasure.  Then  again,  at  the  big 
meeting  which  was  held  on  Little  Conewago,  May  26, 1798, 
the  same  case  was  once  more  viewed  by  the  old  brethren, 
and  also  the  Germantown  brethren  have  sent  their  opinion 
by  letter  from  Brother  Sander  Mack,  wherein  it  is  sorrow- 
fully lamented  that  among  the  little  flock  of  the  Taufs- 
Gesinute  in  America  there  should  arise  men  who  deny  the 
resurrection  of  the  dead,  and  that  among  brothers  and  sis- 
ters some  had  to  have  the  misfortune  to  have  their  eyes 
smeared  by  that  old,  moldy,  and  horribly  stinking  leaven 
of  the  Sadducees.  And  in  addition  a  written  testimony  has 
come  to  hand  about  John  II.,  that  he  should  have  said  in 
his  preaching,  which  two  truthful  men  have  heard  him  say 
it,  and  have  testified  to  it.  (See  postcript,  Minutes  of  1798.) 
Behold,  much  beloved  brethren,  in  view  of  all  the  un- 
scriptural  doctrines  and  expressions,  we  have  been  moved 
(compelled)  to  exclude  from  the  fellowship  and  membership 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  at  that  big  meeting  of  May  26th,  said 
John  H.,  and  all  that  are  in  union  with  him  in  such  views, 
and  we  confirm  again  that  conclusion  unanimously  in  our 
great  meeting  of  the  brethren  to-day,  renouncing  all  fellou-- 
ship  with  each  and  all  such  persons  as  hold  such  doctrines 
and  views  as  )tire  stated  above,  until  they  acknowledge  their 
error  and  repent.  Still,  we  look  upon  this  case  with  sadness 
and  heartfelt  grief,  and  wish  them  (grace)  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus,  whose  mercy  endureth  forever,  that  they  may  ear- 
nestly reflect  and  consider  what  may  make  for  their  peace 
and  everlasting  salvatiou  while  yet  it  is  the  accepted  time 
and  the  day  of  salvation.  This  we  desire  from  the  bottom 
of  our  hearts,  that  the  good  God,  through  the  tender  mercy 
of  Jesus  Christ,  would  give  and  bestow  to  them  and  us  for 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         31 

his  merciful  love's  sake.  Amen.  So  much  from  us,  the 
undersigned  brethren,  assembled  with  one  accord,  and  de- 
livered to  the  hands  of  our  loving  brethren,  who  also,  in 
words,  will  make  it  known  to  you  in  the  name  of  the  whole 
fraternity. 


AXXUAL  MEETIXG  OF  1803. 

Our  cordial  and  united  greeting  of  love  to  all  our  beloved 

brethren  and  members  of  the  "W church.     AVe  wish 

much  grace,  mercy,  and  blessing  from  God,  the  Father  of 
our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  to  all  our  fellow-mem- 
bers united  with  us  in  love  and  faith,  as  also  especially  to 
our  dear  brethren,  C.  L.  and  J.  Z.  It  is  our  heart's  desire 
that  the  good  God  would  make  us  all  faithful  laborers -in 
his  vineyard  ;  for  all  that  were  hired  by  that  householder 
were  hired  to  labor  in  his  vineyard,  to  which  we  wish  you 
all  much  grace,  blessing,  and  salvation  from  God.  The 
cause  of  our  present  writing  is  this  :  Since  we,  or  some  of 
us,  have  been  informed  by  our  dear  brother,  Martin  Gaby, 

who,  on  his  journey  to  us,  passed  through  ~\V ,  and  also 

had  meeting  there,  that  Bro.  C.  L.,  since  the  big  meeting, 
has  only  been  a  few  times  at  meeting,  and  now  for  a  con- 
siderable time  has  not  come  any  more  at  all  to  meeting,  so 
that  some  brethren  feel  oppressed  in  their  minds  on  account 
of  the  word  or  expression  which  is  found  in  that  conclu- 
sion made  at  that  big  meeting,  viz. :  "That  Bro.  J.  Z. 
should  not  go  on  with  baptism,  breaking  of  bread,  receiv- 
ing and  excluding,  without  L.'s  knowledge  and  consent;" 
hereupon  we,  the  undersigned  brethren,  have  conversed 
on  the  matter,  and  are  of  one  mind  on  it,  and  now  the 
same  as  it  was  at  that  time  (three  years  before),  and  is  in 
part  also  expressed  in  said  conclusion,  though  briefly,  that 
we  all  considered  that  Bro.  Jj.  had  done  wrong  grossly,  and 


32  MINUTES    OF 

if  he  would  believe  it  from  the  heart,  and  confess  and 
make  acknowledgment,  we,  and  hopirigly  the  members, 
would  bear  with  him  in  patience,  and  then  he  should  serve 

as  overseer  in  "W ,  and  thus  should  Bro.  Z.,  in  such 

important  matters,  not  go  on  without  his  knowledge  and 
consent.  But  if  Bro.  C.  L.  withdraws  from  the  service, 
or  from  the  duty  of  his  office,  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of 
the  apostle,  when  he  says,  "If  any  one  has  an  office,  let 
him  attend  to  the  same,"  (German  translation,  Kom.  xn. 
7),  if,  now,  Bro.  L.  withdraws  himself  from  the  service  of 
the  church  as  overseer,  so  as  not  to  attend  the  meetings, 
then  he  deprives  himself  of  this  honor,  that-  Bro.  Z.  can 
not  counsel  with  him,  if  he  (Bro.  L.)  does  not  attend  meet- 
ings according  to  his  duty.  So  it  is  our  unanimous  mind, 
that  on  this  account  Bro.  Z.  should  not  be  bound  or  hin- 
dered to  go  on  in  his  office,  and  faithfully  discharge  its  du- 
ties, and  prove  himself  a  faithful  laborer.  But  if  Bro.  L. 
acknowledges  according  to  said  conclusion,  and  endeavors 
to  be  faithful  in  his  office,  then  we  .desire  and  hope  the 
members  will  receive  him,  and  not  lay  obstacles  in  his  way. 
We  mean,  on  account  of  things  that  are  past. 

(Signed  by  most  of  those  who  signed  the  foregoing.) 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1804. 

Article  1.  "Whether  it  should  or  would  be  allowed  to  a 
brother  or  sister  to  keep  public  tavern  by  or  with  a  license; 
it  was  unanimously  considered  that  it  could  not  be  allowed, 
because  we  are  convinced  that  it  can  not  be  done  without 
disorder,  and  is  rather  a  hindrance  to  a  godly  life  and  qui- 
etness of  spirit.  It  has  been  deemed  good  in  union,  that 
it  a  brother  or  sister  should  undertake  to  keep  tavern,  they 
should  be  visited  in  friendship,  and  in  love  and  seriousness, 
and  in  the  name  of  the  church  be  dissuaded  and  warned 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         33 

from  it,  and  shown  unto  them  what  disorder  and  harm  is 
likely  to  result  thereof.  Further  it  was  concluded,  that  if 
a  brother  or  sister  would  not  hear,  accept,  or  obey  such 
counsel  and  admonition,  then  we  would  have  to  consider 
such  as  disobedient,  and  could  not  have  fellowship  with 
them.  Yet  the  sisters,  who  are  bound  in  such  matter  by 
the  urging  of  their  husbands,  and  would  gladly  be  relieved 
from  it,  but  can  not  without  the  consent  of  their  husbands, 
they  should  be  held  less  guilty. 

Art.  2.  Further  it  has  been  unanimously  concluded,  that 
no  brother  or  sister  should  be  engaged,  by  or  with  a  per- 
mit, to  sell  strong  drink,  wine,  or  -ardent  spirits,  by  the 
quart  or  larger  quantity,  because  it  is  feared  that  disorder 
and  harm  will  arise  thereby.  Therefore  all  members  who 
are  engaged  therein  should  be  earnestly  and  faithfully  ex- 
horted in  love  and  long-suffering  to  abstain  from  it,  in  order 
that  such  example  may  not  lead  our  youth  and  offspring 
into  licentiousness  and  scandal.  But  if  one  or  the  other 
should  not  heed  this  counsel  of  love  and  admonition,  and 
not  hear  the  church,  we  could  not  look  upon  such  act  oth- 
erwise than  as  being  disobedient  according  to  an  impartial 
judgment. 

Art.  3.  It  was  concluded,  in  concord  and  union,  that 
ministers  should  be  uniform  in  solemnizing  marriage  ac- 
cording to  the  law  of  our  country,  by  publishing  the  bans 
of  every  couple  three  times,  and  this  in  the  section  where 
they  live  or  reside,  as  near  as  possible,  so  that  if  there  were 
any  sufficient  cause  or  impediment  of  such  intended  mar- 
riage, it  might  be  brought  to  light,  and  all  things  be  con- 
ducted decently  and  in  order. 

Art.  4,  About  such  brethren  who  so  easily  a^nd  heedlessly 
involve  themselves  in  debts,  and  do  not  seek  counsel,  until 
they  do  not  know  any  more  how  to  counsel  or  help  them- 
selves ;  then  they  want  at  last  counsel,  when  they  desire  and 
need  help.  It  has  unanimously  been  deemed  good,  that 
every  church  where  such  brethren  live  should  endeavor 
3 


34  MINUTES   OF 

diligently  to  instruct  such  brethren  also  in  temporal  or 
bodily  things,  that  they  should  act  considerately,  and  make 
no  more  debts  than  they  can  pay ;  and  when  at  times  their 
circumstances  should  be  such  that  they  could  not  see  through, 
they  should  seek  counsel  of  prudent  brethren,  and  even 
the  whole  church  is  in  duty  bound  to  give  counsel  when 
requested ;  and  if  the  counsel  of  the  church  should  not  be 
sufficient,  it  is  also  her  duty  to  assist  as  far  as  possible  in  a 
case  of  necessity.  At  the  same  time  such  should  be  in- 
formed that  if  they  would  not  receive  good  counsel  they 
should  not  expect  or  hope  that  the  church  would  feel  bound 
or  willing  to  assist  much. 

Art.  5.  Whether  upon  request  a  brother  might  be  or- 
dained as  a  bishop,  who  shaves  off  his  beard;  it  was  con- 
sidered, that  inasmuch  as  God  made  man  with  a  beard,  and 
again  God  commanded  his  people  in  the  law  not  to  cut  off 
the  beard ;  and  it  was  especially  required  of  the  priests  of 
God  not  to  mar  the  corners  of  the  beard ;  and  also  Christ, 
our  Master  and  precursor,  together  with  his  disciples,  has 
left  us  an  example  herein,  in  consideration  of  these  and 
other  Scriptures  and  examples,  it  (the  ordination)  could 
not  readily  be  done  in  a  sound  faith,  and  with  an  unoffended 
conscience. 

Art.  6.  What  is  to  be  done  with  brethren  who  join  the 
Freemasons?  Though  we  are  not  sufficiently  acquainted 
with  this  (secret)  association  to  judge  in  the  case,  still  there 
are  revealed  many  trifling  things,  frivolities,  and  unfruitful 
works,  so  that  it  is  considered  highly  improper  for  brethren 
to  be  members  in  their  association,  or  to  have  fellowship 
with  their  works;  therefore  it  has  been  unanimously  con- 
cluded that  in  case  there  are  brethren  defiled  therewith,  they 
should  be  admonished  in  heartfelt  love,  and  informed  that 
if  they  wanted  to  be  (remain)  in  fellowship  with  these  (ma- 
sonic) brethren,  we  could  not  have  fellowship  with  them ; 
and  if  after  such  admonition  they  would  not  hear  or  receive 
counsel,  we  would  have  to  avoid  them,  and  could  have  no 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         35 

fellowship  with  them*  But  if  one  were  contaminated  with 
this,  and  would  repent  from  the  heart  (and  renounce  all 
further  fellowship  with  that  association)  in  faith  and  hope, 
he  might  be  received  again  in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Art.  7.  About  persons  who  are  among  the  English  Bap- 
tists, and  have  been  baptized  by  them,  and  come  now  and 
desire  to  be  admitted  (in  our  church);  whether  they  ought 
to  be  baptized  again,  according  to  the  true  order  of  baptism, 
or  if  they  should  prefer  it,  whether  we  would  receive  them 
without  being  baptized  again?  In  consideration  of  the 
Scripture,  and  especially  because  the  Lord  said  to  Moses, 
"Look  that  thou  make  them  after  their  pattern,  which  was 
showed  thee  in  the  mount"  (Exod.  xxv.  40),  it  has  been 
concluded,  with  one  accord,  that  when  such  come  to  us  we 
should  give  them  in  all  things  good  instruction  according 
to  the  gospel — yea,  according  to  the  Scriptures;  and  when 
they  believe,  and  are  willing  to  obey  from  the  heart  that 
form  of  doctrine  according  to  the  counsel  of  God,  they 
ought  to  be  baptized  in  the  proper  order,  because  there  have 
occurred  different- examples  that  heretofore  persons  had 
been  received  by  the  brethren  who  thought  then  they  could 
be  satisfied  with  their  single  backward  immersion,  but  after- 
ward they  were  more  enlightened  have  deemed  their  bap- 
tism as  imperfect,  and  to  put  their  conscience  at  rest,  they 
requested  and  had  to  be  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  a  trine  immer- 
sion. 

Art.  8.  Concerning  buying  lottery-tickets  with  a  hope  of 
gain,  it  was  unanimously  concluded  that  such  can  not  be 
approved  in  members,  and  parents  should  by  all  means 
prevent  their  children  from  it,  because  it  can  not  be  viewed 
any  better  than  other  gambling  for  gain. 

Art.  9.  Concerning  the  evil  which  grieves  God  and  an- 
gels in  heaven,  and  also  the  faithful  souls  on  earth,  namely, 
the  new  fashions  which  are  in  vogue  in  the  world,  and  also 
here  and  there  are  believers  who  gratify  too  much  the  lust 


36  MINUTES   OF 

of  the  eye  (Kum.  xv.  39),  and  conforming  therein  themselves 
to  the  world  ;  and  especially  our  youth  is  corrupting  itself 
herein  so  much  that  the£Lord  has  almost  cause  to  complain 
that  all  flesh  has  corrupted  its  way ;  therefore  it  has  been 
unanimously  deemed  good  that  the  bishops  and  ministers, 
as  also  all  fathers  and  mothers  of  families,  should  use  all 
diligence  to  counteract  such  things  that  they  might  spread 
no  further,  but  rather  be  put  out  of  the  way ;  especially 
when  persons  desire  to  be  received  (in  the  church)  it  should 
be  ]aid  before  them,  that  such  things  are  contrary  to  the 
wholesome  doctrine,  and  that  it  is  their  duty  to  deny  them- 
selves ;  and  when  they  are  willing  to  lay  them  aside,  then 
they  may  be  baptized  in  hope,  that  they  will  permit  them- 
selves to  be  further  instructed,  etc. 

Art.  10.  Our  cordial  and  united  greeting  of  love  to  our 
beloved  brethren,  especially  to  Brothers  C.  L.  and  J.  Z.,  and 
also  to  Brothers  Jacob  H.  and  John  G.  "We  desire  and 
wish  you  all  that  may  tend  to  the  glory  of  God,  to  the  sal- 
vation of  souls,  and  in  the  edification  of  the  church.  In- 
asmuch as  it  appears  that  Bro.  C.  L.  assumes  more  author- 
ity in  the  service  of  the  church  than  it  pleases  us  and  tne 
church,  and  Brother  J.  Z.  has  given  more  out  of  his  hands 
than  is  pleasing  to  us  and  the  church,  so  that  it  causes  pres- 
sure and  offense;  therefore  it  is  our  loving  counsel  to  you 
that  you  should  keep  house  in  the  service  of  the  church  in 
union  and  concord,  so  that  Brother  C.  L.  should  make  the 
commencement  in  meeting  (preparatory)  to  prayer,  and 
then  it  is  all  the  same  who  is  speaking  first;  and  when  the 
meeting  is  to  be  brought  to  a  close,  then  the  beloved  brother, 
John  Z.,  is  to  make  the  conclusion.  At  the  next  meeting 
the  loving  brother,  J.  Z.,  is  to  make  the  beginning,  and  it 
is  immaterial  who  may  speak  first;  and  when  the  meeting 
is  to  be  closed,  the  loving  brother,  C.  L.,  shall  conclude ; 
and  so  on.  In  important  matters  Brother  Z.  should  do 
nothing  without  counseling  with  Brother  L.;  and  so  like- 
wise should  Brother  L.  do  nothing  without  counseling  with 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  37 

Brother  Z.,  so  that  union  is  preserved.  But  he  who  will 
not  keep  house  thus  and  give  satisfaction  to  the  church, 
and  will  not  accept  the  apostolic  counsel  of  love  of  the  be- 
loved old  brethren,  such  should  be  silent,  and  can  not  serve 
the  church  in  his  office.  Further,  if  a  person  desires  to  be 
baptized,  and  makes  known  a  preference  by  which  brother 
he  would  like  to  be  baptized,  then  that  brother,  with  the 
counsel  of  the  church,  is  to  satisfy  the  candidate  and  for- 
ward him.  With  these  lines  we  have  given  nothing  new, 
but  adhere  to  the  conclusion  which  has  been  laid  down  al- 
ready six  years  ago  by  the  beloved  brethren.  We  have  fur- 
ther to  notice,  that  there  were  very  rude  expressions  made 
by  Brother  L.,  saying  that  there  i3  gone  forth  a  spirit  of 
Satan,  and  rules  in  the  church,  and  of  this  J.  Z.  is  the  head, 
etc.;  and  even  the  church  has  been  compared  to  the  rebel- 
lious company  of  Korah.  Such  should  be  acknowledged 
and  recalled  by  all  means. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1805. 

Article  1.  Concerning  those  who  are  in  avoidance. 
Since  some  think  that  we  may  or  should  not  even  give 
them  the  hand,  while  others  would  feel  disposed  at  times 
to  offer  them  the  hand  as  a  token  that  we  would  willingly 
assist  them  to  be  released  and  reconciled  again,  the  unani- 
mous conclusion  was,  that  we  should  be  of  one  mind,  and 
follow  the  same  rule  in  housekeeping,  and  it  was  so  laid 
down,  that  it  might  be  best  to  offer  them  in  that  view  the 
hand,  but  to  have  no  dealings  with  them  nor  any  familiar 
intercourse  until  a  reformation  takes  place  in  them. 

Art.  2.  Further,  it  has  been  considered,  that  when  there 
is  made  a  conclusion  at  the  big  yearly  meeting,  and  there 
are  members  who  would  not  heed,  nor  conduct  themselves 
accordingly,  it  has  been  concluded  unitedly,  that  when  such 


38  MINUTES   OF 

persons  can  not  convince  the  church  by  evidence  from 
holy  Scripture,  and  would  or  did  rise  up  against  said  church 
conclusion,  would  not  hear  or  obey  at  all,  in  such  case  we 
could  not  well  do  otherwise,  but  after  sufficient  and  friendly 
admonition,  to  set  them  back  from  the  breaking  of  bread 
until  they  learn  to  do  better  and  become  obedient. 

Art.  3.  Concerning  praying  (the  Lord's  Prayer)  "Our 
Father,"  since  some  do  not  make  the  same  expressions  as 
given  by  the  Evangelists  from  the  mouth  of  Jesus,  it  was 
considered,  that  we  should  use  the  expressions  according 
to  the  pattern  of  the  doctrine  of  Jesus,  our  Master,  and  at 
the  same  time  contemplate  the  meaning  contained  in  these 
words,  so  that  we  may  pray  with  the  spirit  and  under- 
standing of  the  heart,  according  to  the  mind  of  Christ,  and 
in  truth. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1810. 

Article  1.  About  brethren  who  intend  selling  bonds,  it 
was  considered,  that  it  should  not  be  done  without  the 
counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  2.  Concerning  brethren  who  use  the  law  for  col- 
lecting debts,  it  was  considered,  that  it  is  unbecoming  for 
brethren  to  do  so,  that  it  can  not  be  permitted,  and  if  they 
should  do  such  a  disallowed  thing,  they  are  to  be  left  over 
to  the  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  3.  Concerning  when  brethren  or  members  get  at 
variance  or  in  difficulty  with  one  another,  no  one  is  allowed 
to  refuse  to  the  other  the  kiss  for  himself,  without  counsel 
of  the  church,  unless  there  had  been  committed  an  obvi- 
ous crime. 

Art.  4.  Concerning  when  a  member  has  been  put  back 
from  the  communion,  and  some  from  kindness  or  relation- 
ship continue  to  salute  such  with  the  holy  kiss,  before  they 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         39 

are  received  again  by  the  church,  it  was  considered  as  a 
fault,  aud  should  be  by  no  means. 

Art.  5.  Concerning   working  on   Sundays.      Inasmuch 
as  there  are  some  members  who  are  so  easily  brought  to  work 

on  Sundays,  it  has  been  considered  thus,  that  it  should  not 
be  by  any  means,  except  in  cases  of  necessity,  for  it  is  a 
transgression  of  the  law  of  God,  and  that  of  our  rulers. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1812. 

Article  1.  In  case  a  brother  or  sister  should  desire  in 
their  sickness  to  be  anointed,  it  might  be  administered  to 
them,  provided  they  would  not  seek  further  help  from  an 
earthly  physician ;  and  if  it  should  so  be  that  the  Lord  would 
raise  them  again  to  health,  and  they  should  fall  sick  again, 
and  think  the  Lord  would  call  them  away,  and  they  ask 
again  to  be  anointed,  we  would  have  no  right  from  the  word 
of  God  to  refuse  them,  and  it  should  be  left  to  those  breth- 
ren's wisdom  who  are  called  to  do  as  the  anointing  will 
teach  them.     (I.  John  n.  20.) 

Art.  2.  Concerning  feet-washing,  inasmuch  as  it  has  hap- 
pened sometimes  that  members  are  permitted  to  have  their 
feet  washed  by  other  denominations,  who  also  practice  feet- 
washing  at  their  breaking  of  bread,  yet  not  quite  according 
to  the  word  as  we  can  understand  it,  it  is  considered  advis- 
able that  it  should  not  be  proper  to  take  part  in  such  im- 
perfect exercises,  etc. 

Art.  3.  Concerning  a  woman  whose  husband  is  dead; 
and  having  several  children  and  no  property,  and  her  hands 
too  weak  to  provide  for  them ;  it  was  considered  that  the 
church  should  provide  for  her,  and  at  the  proper  time  to 
put  out  the  children  in  good  places,  and  to  good  people, 
and  thus  supply  their  wants. 
,    Art.  4.  Concerning  a  woman  who  was  deserted  by  her 


40  MINUTES    OF 

husband;  and  being  informed  that  he  was  dead,  married 
again ;  when  afterward  her  first  husband  made  his  appear- 
ance again,  he  showed  no  concern  about  her,  and  went 
away  again  ;  and  now  he  is  said  again  to  be  dead,  and  she 
makes  application  to  be  received  into  the  church.  Consid- 
ered, that  this  can  not  be  done  according  to  the  word  of 
God,  before  there  is  sure  evidence  that  the  first  husband  is 
dead,  and  then  upon  sincere  repentance  and  acknowledg- 
ment she  might  be  received. 

Art.  5.  Concerning  the  slave  trade  and  slaveholding;  it 
was  considered  that  it  is  a  most  grievous  evil,  and  should 
be  abolished  as  soon  as  possible. 

Art.  6.  Concerning  brethren  who  are  sometimes  pre- 
vailed upon  to  serve  in  the  office  of  constable,  it  was  con- 
sidered that  a  follower  of  Jesus  could  not  serve  in  such 
office;  and  if  a  brother  should  accept  of  it,  take  the  oath 
of  office,  and  serve  in  it,  or  by  some  person  else  as  his  sub- 
stitute, tsuch  a  brother  would  exclude  himself  from  the 
breaking  of  bread,  holy  kiss,  and  brotherly  council. 

Art.  7.  Another  case  was  presented  of  a  woman  who  was 
deserted  by  her  husband,  and  after  being  informed  that  he 
was  dead,  she  married  again ;  but  the  information  proved*- 
to  be  untrue;  her  first  husband  made  his  appearance  again, 
but  without  calling  dr  claiming  her  he  went  away  the  sec- 
ond time,  and  now  he  is  said  again  to  be  be  dead,  and  she 
(the  woman)  now  makes  application  to  be  received  into  the 
church.  The  brethren  decided  that  it  could  not  be  done 
according  to  the  word  of  God,  until  there  is  evidence  that 
her  first  husband  be  dead,  and  then  only  she  might  be  re- 
ceived upon  true  repentance  and  confession. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         41 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1813. 

Article  1.  With  regard  to  the  slave  trade  and  slave 
holding,  it  was  unanimously  considered  that  it  is  wrong, 
and  that  it  belongs  to  the  iniquities  of  Babylon,  making 
merchandise  of  souls  of  men  (Rev.  xviii.  13),  and  that  it  is 
carried  on  by  the  spirit  of  this  world,  and  is  contrary  to 
the  good  and  holy  spirit  of  God,  by  whom  all  the  faithful 
souls  dedicated  to  God  are  ruled  and  led  into  all  truth,  and 
are  to  come  out,  according  to  the  counsel  of  God,  of  Baby- 
lon, not  touching  the  unclean  thiug,  that  they  be  not  par- 
takers of  her  sins,  and  receive  not  of  her  plagues.  Hence 
it  is  unanimously  and  in  union  considered,  that  no  mem- 
ber, neither  brother  nor  sister,  shall  purchase  or  sell  negroes, 
and  keep  none  for  slaves ;  members  should  also,  with  all 
diligence,  restrain  their  children  from  it  as  far  as  it  is  pos- 
sible while  they  are  yet  out  of  the  church.  Further  it  was 
concluded,  if  there  were  members  having  slaves,  or  persons 
who  wish  to  be  received  into  the  church  and  have  slaves, 
that  they  might  hold  them  in  a  proper  way  so  long  as  the 
church  near  which  they  live  may  deem  it  necessary  for  the 
slaves  to  earn  the  money  they  had  cost,  and  then,  with  the 
counsel  of  the  church,  they  are  to  be  set  free,  with  a  good 
suit  of  clothing ;  and  if  there  are  any  who  have  not  bought, 
but  inherited  their  negroes,  they  are  to  be  liberated  as  soon 
as  the  church  considers  it  right  and  proper.  And  if  mem- 
bers have  negro  children  under  their  care,  or  even  as  slaves, 
they  shall  bring  them  up  in  an  orderly  manner,  teach  them 
also  to  read,  and  keep  them,  if  males,  to  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  years,  and  if  females,  to  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and 
then,  writh  the  counsel  of  the  church,  emancipate  them,  with 
a  good  suit  of  wearing  apparel.  Further  it  has  been  unani- 
mously concluded,  that  if  members  having  negro  slaves, 
will  not  set  them  free,  and  thus  oppose  themselves  to  the 
order  of  God  and  the  loving  counsel  of  the  old  brethren, 
who  are  indeed  servants  and  stewards  of  God,  and  even  the 


42  MINUTES    OF 

united  counsel  of  the  whole  yearly  meeting,  then  after  suf- 
ficient admonition  they  would  have  to  be  held  bound  (ac- 
cording to  the  word).     We  would  have  to  deny  such  mem- 
bers the  breaking  of  the  bread  of  communion,  the  holy 
kiss,  and  the  brotherly  counsel,  yet  according  to  the  word 
of  the  apostle  Paul,  to  admonish  them  as  brethren  or  sisters. 
Art.  2.  Further,  it  has  been  considered  in  union  con- 
cerning electioneering,  viz.,  giving  votes  for  officers  or  men 
for  the  assembly  or  .Congress,  in   order  to  elect  them  to 
their  several  offices.     Inasmuch  as  the  appearance  of  the 
times  into  which  we  have  come  are  grievous  (it  was  the  time 
of  the  war  with  England),  and  inasmuch  as  party  spirit  has 
risen  so  high  in  the  kingdom  of  this  worlds  that  men,  and 
even  the  heads  of  government  are  among  themselves  at 
variance,  therefore  it  has  been  viewed  in  union,  that  it 
would  be  much  better  if  no  votes  were  given  in  at  elections 
for  such  officers  (by  the  brethren) ;  for  so  long  as  there  is 
such  division  of  parties,  we  make  ourselves  suspicious  and 
unpropitious  on  the  one  side,  on  whatever  side  we  may  vote. 
Thereby  every  one  that  desires  to  be  defenseless  (or  non- 
resistant)  may  readily  see  what  might  be  best  (for  him  to 
do).     Moreover,  is  (not  only)  our  land  and  (but  also)  almost 
all  empires  engaged  in  war  (in  Europe  especially) ;  hence 
it  was  considered  to  be  best  to  give  in  no  vote,  else  we 
might,  perhaps,  assist  in  electing  such  that  would  afterward 
oppress  us  with  war.     To  pray  diligently  for  our  govern- 
ment we  believe  to  be  our  duty,  and  to  call  upon  the  Lord 
we  think  will  be  most  acceptable. 

Art.  3.  "  It  has  been  also  again  requested  of,  and  coun- 
seled by  the  old  brethren,  that  the  great  (annual)  meeting 
should  be  continued  in  the  order  as  it  has  been  heretofore 
declared  and  laid  down  by  the  old  brethren,  viz.  :  that  the 
ministers  and  overseers  of  the  churches,  every  one  in  his 
own  district  and  church,  should  in  good  time  lay  it  before 
the  church,  how  some  should  be  willing  to  go  to  the  big 
(annual)  meeting,  and  that  the  church  should  assist  them, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         43 

if  possible,  that  some  may  be  able  to  go,  so  that  from  all 
parts,  and  if  it  could  be  from  all  churches,  some  may  come 
to  that  meeting;  and  those  that  will  come  should  endeavor 
to  arrive  on  Thursday  evening  so  near  to  the  place  of  meet- 
ing as  to  be  able  to  be  at  the  place  Friday  morning  at  nine 
o'clock,  that  the  business  may  go  on  without  hindrance." 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1814. 

Article  1.  It  has  been  publicly  treated  at  the  big  meet- 
ing on  Fipe  Creek,  about  the  lamentable  disturbance  and 
dissension  which  have  arisen  some  time  ago  between  Bro. 
C.  H.  and  some  members  of  this  church  with  him,  of  one 
part,  and  the  old  ministers  and  bishop,  and  especially  F.  E. 
and  other  members,  of  the  other  part.  This  disturbance 
and  dissension  have  existed  already  several  years,  and  after 
said  old  brethren  and  ministers  and  overseers  in  said  church 
had  made  many  efforts  with  the  church  to  settle  the  diffi- 
culty with  the  assistance  of  God,  the  troublesome  affair 
has  got  worse  still,  so  that  said  old  brethren  and  overseers 
of  said  church  had  no  other  prospect  but  to  counsel  with 
other  strange  brethren,  and  have  charged  the  beloved  old 
brother,  Henry  Danner,  to  see  to  it,  that  the  matter  might 
be  settled  and  put  to  rest. 

Now  the  loving  brother  was  concerned  about  it,  accord- 
ing to  his  duty,  and  has,  with  other  strange  brethren,  paid 
a  visit  at  Pipe  Creek,  and  hadBro.  C.  H.  and  his  adherents 
invited  to  come  to  the  council  meeting.  But  Bro.  C.  H. 
objected  ;  he  could  not  come  on  account  of  his  sore  hand, 
and  they  came  not.  To  the  loving  brother,  Henry  Danner, 
to  whom  as  aforesaid  was  intrusted  this  important  affair, 
it  was  a  heavy  burden  ;  so  he  appointed  another  time,  and 
requested  old  brethren  from  afar,  and  paid  with  them  an- 
other visit  at  Pipe  Creek,  especially  to  Bro.  C.  H.  and  some 


44  MINUTES    OF 

of,  his  adherents,  and  invited  them  again  to  come  to  the 
(council)  meeting.  Bro.  C.  H.  again  would  not  consent  to 
come,  and  they  did  not  come  again,  with  the  objection  that, 
it  was  not  j'et  the  time  to  settle  the  matter,  and  secondly, 
that  they  had  not  had  sufficient  information  about  the 
council  meeting,  and  so  they  had  not  prepared  their  testi- 
mony. Then  the  dear  brethren  that  had  come  from  afar, 
counseled  with  the  loving  brother,  Danner,  that  this  case 
should  not  remain  thus,  while  there  were  members  suffer-1 
ing  under  it,  and  some  even  had  to  depart  this  life  under 
this  pressure  and  sorrow ;  under  these  considerations,  and 
with  the  advice  of  some  brethren  (of  the  church  probably),' 
they  appointed  again  another  meeting  some  months  hence, 
and  at  once  wrote  and  signed  a  letter  of  information  to 
Bro.  C.  H.,  and  appointed  some  brethren  to  bring  the  letter 
to  Bro.  C.  H.,  and  to  read  the  same  to  him. 

When  the  appointed  time  of  the  meeting  came  near 
that  strange  brethren  should  have  come,  at  least  twelve, 
then  Bro.  C.  H.,  before  the  time,  went  and  made  reconcil- 
iation and  settlement  with  Bro.  P.  E.,  externally  with 
hand  and  kiss  before  the  church,  so  that  many  rejoiced 
over  it,  and  the  meeting  and  appointment  for  the  strange 
brethren  was  recalled.  But  that  settlement  and  peace, 
alas  !  did  not  last  long,  and  Bro.  C.  H.,  with  his  adherents, 
began  again  to  complain  against  the  church,  and  brought, 
not  only  new  complaints  against  the  church,  but  raised 
also  again  the  dispute  about  the  land  here  and  there,  and 
without  counsel  and  investigation  in  the  church  of  the  new 
complaints,  and  without  counsel  of  other  old  brethren  and 
bishops,  and  entirely  contrary  to  the  word  of  God  and  to 
the  order  of  our  Chief  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  his  church, 
and  head  of  his  members,  caused  a  division,  and  tore  him- 
self with  other  members  from  the  church  and  the  members, 
whom  he  had  brought  into  confusion  and  mistrust  against 
the  old  brethren  and  church,  with  the  hard  and  suspicious 
complaints  which  he  and  others,  agaiust  the  order  of  God, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         45 

have  scattered  far  and  wide ;  while,  with  all  the  invita- 
tions when  strange  brethren  came,  they  never  came  to  this 
day,  in  order  to  prove  them  with  sufficient  testimony,  as  it 
is  required  by  theHoly  Scriptures,  or  God  in  his  word. 

He  has  now,  with  those  members  he  led  astray,  formed 
a  separate  congregation,  and  broke  bread  with  them  ;  not 
at  the  proper  time,  inasmuch  as  we  are  not  to  keep  the  feast 
with  the  old  leaven,  neither  with  leaven  of  malice  and  wick- 
edness, but  with  the  unleavened  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth. 
Bro.  C.  H.,  with  the  others,  have  known  that  he  was  not 
in  peace  with  the  church,  and  especially  with  the  house- 
keepers, nor  they  with  him  ;  and  the  Lord  Jesus  teaches 
us  in  these  precious  words,  "If  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the 
altar,  and  there  rememberest  that  thy  brother  hath  aught 
against  thee,  leave  there  thy-  gift  before  the  altar, 
and  go  thy  way ;  first  be  reconciled  to  thy  brother,  and 
then  come  and  offer  thy  gift."  Matt.  v.  23,  24.  Those 
whose  eyes  are  anointed  can  clearly  see  that  the  whole 
thing  is  perverse.  For  the  Spirit  of  God  leads  into  all 
truth  and  union,  and  "as  many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  of 
God,  they  are  the  sons  (children)  of  God,"  and  "by  this 
shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  you  have 
love  one  to  another." 

And  not  only  this,  but  at  said  Supper  he  has  introduced 
strange  exercises,  which  our  dear  old  brethren  have  not 
had,  who  indeed,  as  we  believe,  walked  in  the  light,  and 
in  the  pure  knowledge  of  the  truth  kept  house,  and  en- 
tered, as  we  hope,  into  blessed  rest.  And  as  some  have 
heard,  there  has  been  drawn  a  shallow  reason  from  Christ's 
words,  to  that  practice,  whereby  that  practice  can  not  be 
established,  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  said  new  practice  is 
more  calculated  to  cause  disturbance,  trouble,  and  divis- 
ion within,  and  rejoicing  without  among  other  denomina- 
tions, as  if  the  old  Baptists  and  Brethren  would  have  now 
to  learn  from  them,  that  they  had  opened  our  eyes,  and  thus 
seeking  persons  who  are  yet  in  the  twilight,  may  be  eon- 


46  MINUTES    OF 

fused,  thinking  the  old  brotherhood  must  not  have  had  the 
lull  light,  else  they  would  not  begin  new  practices,  and 
thus  this  would  serve  more  to  scatter  than  to  gather,  and 
more  to  the  dishonor  than  to  the  honor  of  God. 

ISTow,  since  this  matter^,  has  thus  worked  from  time  to 
time,  as  has  been  briefly  related,  we,  the  undersigned,  upon 
the  request  of  said  church,  and  more  for  the  sake  of  God, 
have  found  it  our  duty  to  take  the  case  in  consideration  at 
this  occasion,  namely,  in  said  big  meeting;  and  several 
brethren  have  visited  Brother  C.  H.  and  his  wife,  and  others 
of  his  members,  before  the  meeting,  and  have  invited  him 
to  come  with  his  company  and  bring  his  testimonies  to  prove 
his  heavy  complaints  or  accusations,  in  order  that  those 
members  who  might  have  committed  a  fault  could  be  con- 
vinced, that  there  was  hope,  if  they  would,,  that  all  could 
be  brought  to  rest  and  reconciliation.  But  he  would  not 
come  to  lay  the  case  before  the  big  meeting,  and  said  there 
were  too  many  judges  at  the  big  meeting — it  would  be  bet- 
ter to  have  too  few  judges  than  too  many.  However,  on 
the  second  day  he  came  to  the  place  of  the  meeting,  and 
said  if  the  matter  was  to  be  settled  the  land  would  have  to 
be  altogether  measured,  and  they  would  bear  the  expenses. 

But  the  council  of  the  big  meeting  considered  that  with 
further  deferring  the  case  could  not  be  improved,  and  slow- 
ly or  never  be  brought  to  an  end,  and  the  measuring  would 
scarcely  contribute  to  that  end.  Yet  they  shall  have  per- 
fect liberty  to  have  the  land  surveyed,  as  it  has  been  spoken 
about.  And  upon  the  whole  of  said  case  it  has  been  mu- 
tually concluded  by  the  whole  council  of  the  big  meeting, 
inasmuch  as  Brother  C.  H.  was  never  willing  to  come  and 
bring  sufficient  testimony  to  prove  said  accusations,  we  will 
hear  and  accept  the  testimony  of  Brother  P.  E.,  and  of  all 
those  who  were  accused,  on  their  good  conscience,  in  hope 
and  trust  as  being  true,  until  sufficient  testimony  should 
come,  as  the  Scriptures  require ;  and  if  sufficient  testimony 
should  come  against  one  or  the  other,  then  shall  he  who  is 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         47 

concerned:  submit  to  the  council  of  the  church,  which  Bro. 
P.  and.  the  accused  have  agreed  to  and  promised  before  the 
big  meeting.  Upon  this  condition  we  declare  the  beloved 
brother,  P.  E.,  and  the  other  accused,  as  absolved,  and  in- 
tend at  this  and  other  occasions  to  break  the  bread  of  com- 
munion in  confidence  and  love  with  them,  and  to  hold  with 
them  full  fellowship,  as  the  gospel  of  Jesus  requires,  and 
we  wish  them  light,  grace,  and  power  from  God  to  hasten 
forward  on  the  way  of  peace  to  the  land  of  blessed  rest. 
Amen. 

Further,  it  was  mutually  concluded  that  the  case,  as  above 
stated,  is  wrong,  and  contrary  to  God's  order,  according  to 
the  example  and  testimonies  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments of  the  Lord.  From  these  weighty  causes,  the  big 
meeting  concludes  that  impartial  brethren  should  be  select- 
ed, and  they  should  give  themselves  up  for  God's  sake,  to 
pay  the  church  a  general  visit  from  house  to  house,  and  be- 
fore the  meeting  takes  place  to  visit,  also,  Brother  C.  H., 
and  all  those  who  have  cut  off  themselves  with  him,  in  a 
friendly  manner,  and  to  urge  them  to  take  steps  toward 
peace,  concord,  and  reconciliation  with  the  church  and  with 
God,  in  as  far  as  mistakes  have  been  made,  and  all  those 
who  should  thus  come  should  be  cordially  forgiven  by  the 
whole  church. 

But  if  one  or  the  other  would  not  acceptor  receive  coun- 
sel according  to  the  doctrine  of  Christ  and  his  apostles,  and 
not  abstain  from  their  error,  with  such  we  could  not  break 
bread,  and  would  have  to  deny  to  them  the  kiss  and  church 
council  after  a  long-suffering  and  sufficient  admonition ; 
and  if  Brother  C.  H.,  with  all  his  adherents,  should  oppose 
themselves,  we  would  have  to  hold  them,  as  the  Lord  Jesus 
says,.  "  If  he  shall  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be 
unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican."  The  whole 
big  meeting — yea,  all  members,  should  be  engaged  and 
prayerful,  that  God  would  meet  us  with  his  blessing  and 
salvation.   Amen.    Signed, Samuel  Garber,  Benjamin  Bow- 


43  MINUTES    01 

man.  George  Preiss.  Daniel  Btober,  Nicholas  Martin,  Jacob 
Beshor,  Samuel  Arnold.  Martin  Garber.  David  Pfoutz,  John 
El  y.  Christian  Long.  John  Schleifer,  Daniel  Long.  Daniel 
Garber,  Michael  Etter,  Henry  Gibbel,  Herman  Blaser, 
George  Petry,  Daniel  Arnold.  David  All  augh,  John  Diel, 
Jacob  Shenefelt,  John  Price.  Isaac  Long. 

In  the  year  1S14.  November  17.  the  strange  brethren 
have  come  again  to  us  on  Pipe  Creek  about  the  difficulties 
with  C.  H.  and  his  adherents,  and  have  visited  and  admon- 
ished them  again  to  peace,  and  union,  and  acknowledge- 
ment; and  with  these  lines  we  inform  our  dear  members  of 
Pipe  Creek  Church,  briefly,  how  we  found  it  on  our  visit 
to  C.  H.  and  the  members  that  have  turned  away  from  the 
church.  What  concerns  Brother  C.  H.,  the  visiting  breth- 
ren have  proposed  he  or  they  should  elect  six  brethren  on 
their  part,  whom  they  would,  and  they  should  search  out 
their  true  testimonies ;  and  the  old  brethren  on  Pipe  Creek 
should  also  elect  six  brethren,  and  prepare  their  testimonies, 
and  then  the  difficulties  should  be  settled,  with  the  help  of 
1  - .  1.  according  to  the  testimonies. 

Brother  H.  said  he  would  have  nothing  to  do  with  it,  and 
that  he  would  have  no  fellowship  with  the  unfruitful  works 
of  darkness.  This  was  the  amount  upon  the  whole,  upon 
which  we  told  him  the  conclusion  made  at  the  big  meeting. 
Likewise  we  have  told  Brother  J.  W.,  upon  Lis  insolent 
and  untrue  asseverations,  said  conclusion.  The  said  con- 
clusion is.  that  if  after  patient  admonition  they  would  not 
return  to  union  according  to  the  truth  of  Jesus,  we  must 
deny  to  them,  according  to  the  gospel,  the  communion,  in 
so  far  as  not  to  break  bread  with  them,  and  to  refuse  the 
kiss  and  council,  until  they  should  become  repentant.  "We 
must  observe  here,  that  we  have  not  seen  any  more  of  Bro. 
Benjamin  Bowman  and  Nicholas  Martin,  after  they  had 
visited  their  part,  and  know  not  whether  they  have  told 
the  conclusion  to  any  members.  As  concerning  the  other 
members  who  are  with  C.  II..  it  was  found  different;  vet 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  49 

several  have  declared  that  they  would  not  fall  away  or  sep- 
arate from  the  old  brethren,  still  they  are  halting  at  several 
points.  "We  have  told  some,  by  heresay  and  suppositions, 
they  had  got  oft"  from  the  church  thus  far.  Now,  they 
should  only  believe  what  can  be  testified;  in  this  way  they 
might  be  restored  and  put  right  again.  In  this  manner  all 
the  members  should  labor  in  this  case  with  prayer  and  sup- 
plication to  God,  that  by  his  co-operating  grace  all,  and 
especially  those  who  long  after  peace,  could  come  again  to 
peace  and  union  with  the  church,  according  to  the  mind  of 
the  spirit  of  God  and  his  soul-saving  truth,  in  hope  that 
they  will  reflect  and  choose  that  what  is  counseled  them 
according  to  the  gospel,  viz. :  to  strive  after  peace  with  the 
church.  Thus  we  have  told  the  other  members  we  visited 
the  conclusion  only  in  this  form,  that  those  who  would  con- 
tinue to  adhere  to  C.  II.,  and  go  on  with  him  in  his  strange 
works,  all  such  would  be  held  as  is  expressed  in  the  con- 
clusion until  they  would  return  repentant;  that  is,  all  such 
who  would  continue  to  break  bread  with  him  and  justify 
his  strange  baptism.     Signed,  etc. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1815. 

In  the  big  meeting  of  the  Brethren's  church,  which  was 
held  in  "White  Oak  church  with  Bro.  Joseph  Hershe,  May 
13,  1815,  the  following  was  discussed,  and  held  counsel  on 
the  complaints  arising  in  different  parts  of  the  church  of 
the  Brethren  concerning  the  strange  views  of  some  mem- 
bers, which  are  deemed  by  us  as  erroneous  and  not  founded 
on  the  Holy  Scriptures,  which  Holy  Scriptures  indeed  shall 
be  the  sole*  foundation  of  our  faith.  And  since  we  live 
now  in  perilous  times,  in  which  arise  many  and  manifold 
temptations,  and  also  many  errors,  so  that  weak  minds 

maybe  easily  led  astray  and  in   confusion,  not  knowing 
4 


50  MINUTES   OF 

what  or  how  to  do  iti  order  to  salvation.  And  inasmuch 
now,  at  this  time,  among  the  many  religious  parties  and 
denominations  there  are  such  whose  doctrines  on  repent- 
ance, on  baptism,  and  on  the  forgiveness  of  sins  through 
the  atoning  sacrifice  of  Jesus,  and  on  the  sanctification 
through  the  Holy  Spirit,  seem  to  differ  not  much  from 
those  of  the  old  brethren,  only  that  they,  according  to  our 
vaews,  as  the  Word  teaches  us,  do  not  put  every  thing  in 
the  right  place. 

They  require  of  a  man,  before  he  is  to  be  baptized,  that 
he  should  have  passed  entirely  through  repentance,  and 
should  have  a  lively  experience  of  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
and  that  he  should  have  obtained  the  new  birth  completely 
before  baptism,  so  that  they  must  confess  such  and  be  enabled 
to  say  how  they  came  to  it ;  and  that  only  then  they  were 
fit  to  be  received  by  baptism  into  the  covenant  of  the  grace 
of  God.  There  should  have  been  made  even  such  expres- 
sions in  public  meeting,  that  a  man  must  have  obtained 
complete  sanctification  first,  else  he  would  be  baptized  too 
soon,  as  has  been  credibly  testified.  Xow  for  such  a  con- 
fession or  doctrine  we  see  no  foundation  in  Holy  Writ,  nor 
a  single  example  in  the  whole  ISTew  Testament.  Candi- 
dates for  baptism  were  directed  to  repent,  or  to  a  change 
of  mind  ;  they  were  exhorted  by  John  to  bring  forth  fruit 
meet  for  repentance — that  is,  to  lead  such  a  life  as  would 
be  consistent  with  a  change  of  mind ;  and  of  Christ  and 
his  apostles  we  do  not  find  that  any  more  was  required  of 
canditates  than  besides  repentance,  faith  in  the  gospel — 
item,  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Son  of  God.  Hence  we 
find  no  authority  to  ask  more  of  candidates  but  what  is 
founded  in  the  word  of  God.  "We  believe  that  baptism  is 
the  entrance  into  the  new  covenant,  according  to  the  Script- 
ures. We  also  believe  that  the  foundation  which  was  laid 
by  Christ  and  the  apostles  is  the  only  foundation  on  which 
we  have  to  build,  and  that  we  have  no  right  to  change  or 
amend  any  thing.     We  believe  also  that  the  (individual) 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  51 

cases  of  repentance  are  very  different;  that  some  Lave 
much  greater  difficulties  to  overcome  than  others;  there- 
fore we  make  (establish)  no  rule  herein,  because  the  Script- 
ure does  not  give  any. 

And  since  we  can  not  agree  in  the  above-named  points, 
with  such  who  hold  these  points  as  articles  of  their  faith, 
inasmuch  as  the  word  of  God  does  not  teach  us  thus,  it  hap- 
pens sometimes  that  harsh  expressions  are  made  about  the 
old  brethren;  for  instance,  "that  they  were  a  crowd  of 
dead  men,  who  had  not  yet  come  to  a  new  life ;"  "uncon- 
verted, who  knew  nothing  yet  of  conversion;"  "a  dead 
heap  of  flesh  ;"  "as  laying  all  in  a  heap  in  death  ;"  that 
not  one  (of  them)  had  come  to  a  newness  of  life,  or  he 
could  not  remain  among  them ;  and  on  account  of  their 
baptizing  too  soon,  the  life  of  God  commenced  in  them 
was  presently  again  extinguished,  so  that  they  could  not 
come  to  the  (new)  birth,  etc. 

Such  expressions  do  not  proceed  from  love,  nor  will  they 
build  love.  We  would  let  these  good  people  willingly  (to 
enjoy  their  sentiments)  in  peace,  if  they  would  also  permit 
us  to  enjoy  (ours)  in  peace.  It  does  not  work  unto  union 
according  to  the  command  of  Christ.  It  causes  schisms 
and  divisions.  It  seems  as  if  it  was  the  object  and  purpose 
also  in  our  churches,  to  fill  weak  members  with  their  no- 
tions, and  to  cause  confusion,  so  that  many  members  be- 
come doubtful  of  their  old  brethren,  since  they  are  repre- 
sented to  them  so  cold  and  dead.  And  such  we  counsel 
and  admonish,  out  of  heartfelt  love,  that  they  should  hold 
fast  to  the  word  of  God,  and  not  be  carried  about  with 
every  wind  of  doctrine.  And  it  is  our  advice  to  all  over- 
seers and  householders  to  admonish  all  the  members  to 
this,  that  they  should  take  fast  hold  of  the  written  word 
of  the  gospel ;  and  if  it  should  happen  that  some  of 
our  members  should  unite  with  such,  break  the  bread  of 
communion  with  them,  receive  them  in  their  houses  to 
hold  meetings,  so  long  as  those  stand  in  such  separation 


52  MINUTES   OF 

against  us,  they  (our  members)  should  be  admonished,  and 
if  they  would  give  heed  to  it,  we  ought  to  have  patience 
with  them  ;  but  if  they  would  not  hear  or  be  advised,  they 
could  not  stand  in  full  fellowship  with  us.  For  the  Lord 
Jesus  and  the  apostles  teach  us  that  we  should  be  one,  of 
one  mind,  speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  should  be 
no  division  among  us ;  and  to  this  end  we  also  labor  to  be 
obedient  to  the  gospel  of  Jesus  by  the  grace  of  God. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1817. 

Article  1.  Concerning  the  use  of  tobacco,  it  was  in  uniou 
considered,  that  if  a  member  should  be  contaminated  with 
it,  such  should  be  admonished  to  quit  it ;  and  if  it  would 
not  be  told,  such  a  member  could  not  be  elected  to  any  office 
in  the  church. 

Art.  2.  Concerning  conforming  to  the  world  in  wearing: 
fashionable  clothing  and  everything  that  is  high,  without 
exception,  it  was  considered,  that  when  a  member  should 
herein  be  found  guilty,  he  should  be  admonished;  and  if 
the  admonition  would  not  be  heeded,  we  could  not  hold 
such  in  full  fellowship,  inasmuch  the  Savior  sa3's,  "That 
which  is  highly  esteemed  among  men  is  abomination  in  the 
sight  of  God."     Luke  xvi.  15. 

Art.  3.  "Whether  the  nearest  friends  of  a  member  that 
fallsunder  the  censure  of  the  church,  or  a  candidate  wish- 
ing to  be  received  into  the  church,  may  be  present  at  the 
council  of  the  case?  Considered  necessary  that  the  nearest 
friends  should  withdraw 

Art.  4.  Whether  testimony  against  a  member  may  be 
received  from  outsiders  (persons  not  members),  in  case  of 
a  crime  being  laid  to  the  charge  of  a  member?  Considered, 
that  we  could  not  pass  judgment  on  a  member  upon  testi- 
mony from  outsiders;  but  in  case  one  single  member  could 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  53 

testify  with  truthful  outsiders,  then  we  could  and  might 
judge  according  to  the  word  of  God,  for  "in  the  mouth  of 
two  or  three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established." 

Art.  5.  Whether  brethren  or  their  children  may  go  on 
the  muster-ground  or  not  ?  The  counsel  was,  that  no  mem- 
ber may  go  there,  and  prevent  also  their  children  from  go- 
ing on  that  ground,  and  not  willingly  permit  it  to  them  as 
long  as  they  are  under  parental  authority ;  should  a  brother 
do  so,  he  could  not  be  in  full  fellowship  with  the  church; 
for  the  Savior  said  to  Peter,  "Put  up  thy  sword  into  his 
place;  for  all  they  that  take  the  sword,  shall  perish  with 
the  sword." 

Art.  6.  "Whether  we  ma}'  sell  a  note  (or  bond)  or  not? 
Considered,  that  no  member  should  sell  a  note  without  the 
consent  of  the  debtor. 

Art.  7.  Concerning  working  on  Sunday,  it  was  conclud- 
ed that  members  should  do  no  work  on  Sunday,  except  in 
cases  of  great  necessity,  inasmuch astheapostle  writes  to 
"  give  none  offense,  neither  to  the  Jews,  nor  to  the  gentiles, 
nor  to  the  church  of  God."     I.  Cor.  x.  32. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1813. 

Article  1.  Concerning  trouble  arising  in  some  churches 
on  account  of  the  marriage  of  young  people,  and  their  sol- 
emnization. Inasmuch  some  desire  to  hold  fast  to  the  coun- 
sel or  conclusions  of  the  old  brethren,  which  was,  that 
previous  to  marriage  the  bans  were  published  three  times, 
which  they  think  is  a  good  order,  and  not  at  all  inconsist- 
ent with  the  gospel ;  but  now  some  assert  that  this  publish- 
ing at  the  close  of  the  meeting  was  against  their  conscience, 
and  think  that  the  effect  of  the  word  preached  before  was 
thereby  interrupted;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  brethren 
think  that  there  is  danger  in  solemnizing  marriage  without 


54  MINUTES    OF 

publishing  before,  inasmuch  we  can  not  know  how  matters 
stand  with  young  folk,  and  there  might  be  danger,  even  if 
they  are  neighbor's  or  brother's  children ;  and  we  think, 
if  we  were  so  closely  restricted  by  our  conscience  not  to 
publish  the  bans,  then  we  would  also  marry  none.  Yet  we 
desire  to  control  no  man's  conscience,  provided  he  acts  for 
peace,  and  as  they  say,  for  conscience'  sake.  We  desire  all 
housekeepers  in  churches  might  be  united  in  one  mind  to 
hold  fast  to  the  counsel  of  the  old  brethren ;  for  unto  peace 
God  has  called  us. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1819. 

Article  1.  Concerning  a  woman  who  married  a  man 
who  had  deserted  his  wife  because  she  had  committed  car- 
nal intercourse  with  another  man,  as  he  says,  proved  by 
the  time  of  her  delivery.  Considered,  if  there  can  be  found 
no  evidence  as  his  (the  husband's)  assertion,  it  is  not  suffi- 
cient to  decide  that  it  was  or  is  no  true  wedlock,  conse- 
quently the  woman  he  has  now,  with  himself,  will  be  con- 
sidered as  adulterers  as  long  as  the  first  wife  lives,  accord- 
ing to  the  declaration  of  the  Apostle  Paul,  Rom.  vn.  2,  3. 
This  is  left  over  to  further  investigation.  So  we  find  no 
liberty  to  receive  persons  who  live  in  adultery  into  the 
church,  as  long  as  the  first  marriage  is  not  dissolved  by 
death,  and  then  only  upon  sincere  sorrow  and  repentance 
they  may  be  received  into  the  communion  of  the  faithful. 
But  if  those  who  are  in  such  case  would  resolve  firmlj7  for 
God's  sake  to  live  separate,  and  would  also  indeed  do  so, 
and  lament  sincerely  their  former  state — then  there  might 
be  mercy  in  store  for  them,  and  they  might  be  thereby  rec- 
onciled to  God. 

Art.  2.  Whether  we  could  break  the  bread  (of  commun- 
ion) without  having  a  supper?     We  hold,  that  we  ought 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         55 

by  all  means  in  all  the  exercises  (ordinances)  look  to  the 
testimony  of  Jesus  aud  his  example;  for  the  Lord  Jesus, 
shortly  before  his  suffering,  when  he  instituted  the  Lord's 
Supper,  etc.,  after  he  had  washed  his  disciples'  feet,  he  did 
eat  the  supper  with  them,  where  he  also  dipped  the  sop, 
and  gave  it  to  J  udas.  (See  J  ohn  xm.  26.)  And  Mark  xiv. 
18  :  "And  as  they  sat  and  did  eat,  Jesus  said,  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  one  of  you  which  eateth  with  me  shall  betray 
me."  And  verse  22 :  "And  as  they  did  eat,  Jesus  took 
bread,  and  blessed  and  brake  it,  and  gave  to  them,  and 
said,  Take,  eat :  this  is  my  body,"  etc. 

Art.  3.  How  it  is  considered,  that  brethren  receive  other 
preachers  (from  other  denominations)  into  their  houses,  in 
order  to  solemnize  the  marriage  of  their  children  after  the 
manner  of  the  world.  Considered,  that  matrimony  is  a 
solemn  matter,  whether  we  commence  it  with  or  without  a 
blessing,  and  hence  we  think  we  should  have  so  much  love 
for  our  children  as  to  be  concerned  that  they  might  enter 
upon  that  state  with  a  blessing;  and  we  believe  no  man 
can  communicate  such  but  he  that  is  animated  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  by  whom  he  will  also  be  led  into  all  truths.  Hence 
we  should  have  our  children  married  by  a  brother  who  is 
authorized  to  do  it,  with  a  blessing  and  brief  exhortation  ; 
also  without  too  great  superfluity  of  meat  and  drink,  so 
that  we  can  believe  to  be  pleasing  to  God — for  all  extrava- 
gance is  sin. 

Art,  4.  Whether  a  member  is  permitted  to  marry  with- 
out counsel  of  the  church,  and  without  publishing  the 
bans  ?  Answer :  "We  know  that  all  who  have  entered  into 
the  covenant  of  grace  have  promised  also  to  receive  coun- 
sel, and  it  seems  to  us,  in  such  an  important  matter  as  mar- 
riage is,  we  should  by  all  means  seek  counsel  of  our  fellow 
believers.  And  concerning  the  publishing  of  the  bans,  it 
is  our  loving  counsel,  and  daily  experience  teaches  us,  that 
it  is  very  good  to  hold  to  a  good  order,  inasmuch  by  the 
publishing  the  bans  many  an  accusation  is  cut  off,  while  on 


56  MINUTES   OP 

the  other  haud  much  deception  is  prevented,  which  would 
have  free  course  without  the  bans. 

Art.  5.  Whether  it  is  not  displeasing  in  the  sight  of  God 
that  there  is  so  much  conformity  to  the  world  at  funerals, 
with  the  superfluity  of  drink  as  well  as  the  superabundance 
of  eatables,  besides  what  is  needful  and  proper?  Consid- 
ered, that  all  superfluity  in  meat  and  drink,  together  with 
all  extravagance  in  clothing,  is  an  abomination  in  the  sight 
of  God,  which  we  ought  to  avoid  by  all  means,  that  the 
body  of  Christ  may  not  be  mixed  up  so  much  with  the 
body  of  the  world  (especially  at  such  solemn  occasions  as 
funerals). 

Art.  6.  In  a  similar  case  of  a  woman  marrying  a  man 
who  had  left  his  wife,  both  were  considered  adulterers  while 
that  first  wife  lives,  according  to  the  declaration  of  the 
Apostle  Paul  (Rom.vn.  2,  3) ;  and  that  the  church  could 
not  receive  them  as  members  until  the  first  marriage  was 
dissolved  by  death,  and  then  only  upon  heartfelt  sorrow 
and  repentance.  But  if  those  who  are  in  such  condition 
would  for  the  sake  of  God  (and  their  salvation)  firmly  resolve 
and  actually  (endeavor  to)  live  separate  (and  apart  from  each 
other),  with  godly  sorrow  for  their  former  transgression, 
they  might  fiud  grace  and  be  reconciled  with  God  (through 
Christ). 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1820. 

Article  1.  In  the  counsel  of  the  assembled  brethren  at 
the  big  meetiug  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  in 
Conestoga  church,  at  Bro,  Joseph  Royer's,  May  19,  1820, 
was  proposed  for  consideration  in  church  council  the  dis- 
turbances or  troubles  arising  3?u  the  State  of  Ohio,  in  Mill 
Creek  Church,  by  diverse  doctrinal  points  which  have  been 
there  introduced,  viz.:  it  has  been  taught  by  Bro.  A.  M., 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         57 

who  is  a  co-laborer  in  the  word,  that  a  man  must  have  a 
real  experience  of  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  that  he  must 
be  entirely  born  anew  before  he  is  baptized,  which  has  been 
credibly  testified.  And  it  was  considered  at  this  meeting 
that  there  is  no  gospel  evidence  for  such  doctrine,  and  it 
was  concluded  with  one  accord  and  unanimity  that  if  a 
brother  will  preach  and  persist  in  such  doctrine,  he  could 
not  be  permitted  to  teach ;  for  it  is  not  consistent  with  the 
teaching  of  the  apostle,  when  he  says  (Acts  n.  38),  "  Repent, 
and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you,  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  This  is  thus  laid  down  until  such 
brother  will  prove  his  or  such  doctrine  on  the  ground  of 
the  word  of  God.  It  was  also  considered  that  Bro.  J.  K. 
went  too  far  with  the  harsh  expressions  he  made  against 
Bro.  A.  M.  in  presence  of  the  brethren,  and  it  is  required 
of  him  to  make  acknowledgment  for  such  hard  expressions, 
or  else  we  could  not  be  well  with  him. 

N.  B. — The  expressions  were  these,  that  he  is  to  have 
said,  from  the  teachings  of  Bro.  M.,  there  was  apparent  a 
spirit  of  Methodism  and  of  the  liiver  brethren,  and  an 
Antichrist,  etc. 

Art.  2.  A  brother  had  used  hard  expressions  against  a 
brother  in  presence  of  the  brethren,  such  as  "from  the 
preaching  of  Bro.  M.  there  was  apparent  a  spirit  of  the 
Methodist  and  Kiver  brethren  and  an  Antichrist!  "  Con- 
sidered, that  the  brother  is  to  make  proper  acknowledgment 
for  these  harsh  expressions,  otherwise  we  would  not  be  sat- 
isfied with  him. 


58  MINUTES   OF 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1821. 

Article  1.  AVhether  an  ordained  brother  may  collect 
debts  by  the  power  of  the  law?  Considered,  that  no 
brother,  much  less  one  that  is  ordained,  has  a  right  to  do 
so  according  to  gospel  doctrine,  neither  for  himself  nor  for 
another. 

Art.  2.  Whether  an  ordained  or  private  brother  may 
serve  as  an  executor,  where  he  knows  beforehand  that  the 
law  must  be  enforced,  as  has  been  likewise  considered,  that 
it  should  not  be  according  to  the  gospel  doctrine.  Bust  in- 
asmuch as  many  brethren  are  in  such  a  position  the  coun- 
cil is  to  have  patience  with  them,  until  they  can  get 
through  with  it,  yet  so  as  not  to  break  the  bread  of  com- 
munion with  them.  Since,  however,  an  executorship  is 
very  difficult  for  brethren,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to 
adopt  measures  to  obviate  or  lessen  the  difficulties.  And 
inasmuch  as  every  parent  (or  other  person  of  sound  mind) 
has  a  right  to  make  a  will  according  to  his  own  pleasure, 
without  being  interfered  with  by  the  authorities,  to  divide 
and  distribute  his  property,  and  also  to  select  his  executors, 
and  to  order  them  what  they  are  to  do,  and  how  to  do  it 
(the  testator  may  insert  in  his  will  the  following  clause), 
viz. :  "I  nominate  and  appoint  A.  B.  to  be  sole  executor  ot 
my  estate,  to  settle,  pay  off,  and  collect,  etc.,  as  far  as  the 
rules  of  our  church  and  the  gospel  will  admit  of,"  etc. 

Art.  3.  How  far  brethren  have  liberty  to  commune  with 
men  who  do  not  strictly  adhere  to  the  truth,  was  considerd 
in  council,  thus :  That  it  is  very  dangerous  to  commune 
with  such  people  as  do  not  hold  entirely  the  doctrine  of 
Christ,  since  the  apostle  says,  "If  there  come  any  unto 
you,  and  bring  not  this  doctrine,  receive  him  not  in  your 
house,  neither  bid  him  God-speed"  (II.  John,  10);  and 
the  counsel  is,  to  give  them  no  liberty  to  speak  in  our 
meetings. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  59 

Art.  4.  How  far  a  brother  is  at  liberty  in  giving  testi- 
mony, to  speak  the  truth  before  the  higher  powers,  inas- 
much as  different  forms  are  presented  to  brethren?  Consid- 
ered, that  a  brother  by  no  means  should  take  the  liberty 
to  lift  up  his  hand,  but  should  obey  simply  the  counsel  of 
the  gospel,  saying  yea  ,  if  it  is  yea,  and  nay,  if  it  is  nay ; 
"for  whatsoever  is  more  than  these  cometh  of  evil.' 

Art.  5.  Whether  brethren  may  have  distilleries  or  not  i 
It  was  considered  to  leave  it  by  what  was  concluded  some 
thirty  years  ago,  that  no  brother  would  be  allowed  to  have 
a  distillery,  or  to  distill  ardent  spirits. 

Art.  6.  Whether  members  (persons)  might  be  received 
into  the  church,  who  have  been  but  once  immersed  (with- 
out baptizing  them  in  the  manner  we  believe  it  ought  to 
be  done  according  to  the  gospel)  ?  It  was  considered,  that 
a  threefold  immersion  is  the  true  baptism  ;  but  if  such  per- 
sons would  be  content  with  their  baptism,  and  yet  acknowl- 
edge the  Brethren's  order  as  right,  we  would  leave  it  over 
to  them,  and  receive  them  with  the  laying  on  of  hands  and 
prayer. 

Art.  7.  What  is  to  be  done  when  a  member  commits  a 
fault  which  is  not  between  brother  and  brother,  but  pub- 
licly, against  the  gospel  ?  Considered,  that  such  a  member 
(provided  it  is  no  crime,  such  as  stated  in  I.  Cor.  5)  should 
always  make  acknowledgment  before  the  church. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1822. 

Article  1.  Whether  a  brother  might  be  set  forward  to 
baptize  and  break  bread  who  does  not  wear  his  beard  ;  it 
was  considered,  that  according  to  the  image  of  God  (in 
which  man  was  created),  and  according  to  the  image  of 
Christ,  we  ought  to  (leave  our  beard  undisturbed  or)  wear 
our  beard  (at  least  in  part),  and  that  no  brother  should  be 


60  MINUTES    OF 

so  far  advanced  who  could  not  deny  himself  in  this  matter. 

Art.  2.  Whether  a  brother  might  serve  in  a*  worldly 
office  or  as  a  juryman,  was  considered,  that  no  follower  of 
Jesus  can  serve  in  such,  and  if  he  could  get  relieved  with 
money  (by  paying  a  flue),  he  should  not  serve  herein 

Art.  3.  Whether  there  should  be  something  of  the  sup- 
per on  the  table  at  feet-washing,  it  was  the  unanimous 
agreement  in  the  council  of  the  great  meeting  that  it  should 
not  be. 

Art.  4.  Whether  it  [is  right  for  a  brother  to  take  the 
benefit  of  the  law,  was  considered,  that  when  a  brother  is 
so  imprudent  that  he  falls  under  the  power  of  law,  he  is 
not  to  have  privilege  to  take  the  benefit  of  the  law,  but  to 
seek  counsel  from  the  church.  Yet  it  would  be  always 
best  to  seek  counsel  before  a  member  comes  so  far. 

Art.  5.  When  a  member  is  put  in  avoidance,  how  far  is 
his  companion  in  wedlock  to  be  held  as  a  member?  It  was 
considered,  that  she  may  be  held  as  a  member,  yet  so  as 
not  to  break  the  bread  of  communion. 

Art.  6.  How  far  should  a  brother  keep  house  without 
counseling  the  church,  or  members  without  counseling  the 
housekeeper?  It  was  considered,  that  the  brother  who  is 
housekeeper  should  always  act  in  concert  with  the  church, 
especially  with  his  co-laborers  in  the  church,  and  just  so  his 
co-laborers  should  always  counsel  with  their  elder  brother, 
and  a  private  brother  should  not  undertake  to  teach  or 
serve  until  the  church  calls  him  to  it. 

Art.  7.  Concerning  the  abuse  of  tobacco.  This  has  been 
before  the  meeting  already  before  this,  and  was  always 
considered  a  shamefully  bad  habit  [German,  Untugend) — 
and  every  thing  bad,  says  the  apostle,  is  sin,  and  sin  defileth 
the  body;  and  another  apostle  says,  that  your  bodies,  to- 
gether with  soul  and  spirit,  shall  be  holy. 

Art.  8.  How  it  is  considered,  when  members  will  not 
heed  the  counsel  of  love  of  the  brethren,  with  regard  to 
conforming  to  the  world  in  clothing,  etc.     It  was  consid- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         61 

ered,  for  the  third  time  in  the  great  council,  that  when  a 
member  has  been  admonished  in  love  once  and  again,  we 
would  not  break  bread  with  such.  Bat  at  this  meeting  it 
has  been  considered,  that  when  they  will  not  receive  coun- 
sel in  love,  we  could  not  hold  such  member  in  full  fellow- 
ship according  to  the  gospel.  Also  such  who  permit  those 
high  fashions  in  their  children  who  are  yet  under  their 
control,  and  especially  the  bishops  and  ministers  in 
the  church  should  be  examples  of  the  flock. 

Art.  9.  With  regard  to  distilleries  (held  or  carried  on) 
by  members  of  the  church,  it  was  again  testified  that  it 
could  not  be  permitted. 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  viewed  when  a  brother  assigns  his 
property  to  another,  with  a  view  to  defraud  his  neighbors 
(creditors).  It  is  considered,  that  we  can  not  hold  them  in 
fellowship. 

Art.  11.  Whether  we  might  have  two  tables  at  love-feast, 
and  also  at  other  meetings ;  that  is,  whether  members 
might  prepare  something  warm  for  the  old  brethren,  and 
also  elderly  and  weakly  members,  besides  what  is  served  up 
for  all  in  general — was  considered,  that  members  should  be 
at  perfect  liberty  to  show  their  love  toward  their  old  breth- 
ren or  weakly  members,  to  set  before  them  what  they  like ; 
yet  we  would  counsel  in  love  to  be  careful  that  no  bad  dis- 
tinction is  made,  so  that  friends  and  well-wishers  are  pre- 
ferred to  those  that  are  weakly. 

Art.  12.  Whether  it  be  right  for  a  follower  of  Jesus  to 
take  interest,  was  considered,  that  neither  the  law  nor  the 
gospel  gives  us  such  privilege,  and  that  it  should  not  be 
among  the  membership. 

Art.  13.  How  shall  the  church  conduct  itself  toward 
those  members  that  have  been  separated  from  the  church? 
Considered,  first,  when  a  member  is  separated  from  the 
church  as  far  as  from  the  kiss,  breaking  of  bread,  and 
church  council,  such  ought  to  be  diligently  exhorted  ac- 
cording to  the  evidence  of  the  apostle,  but  could  not  be 


62  MINUTES    OF 

called  brother.  But  wheu  such  would  not  receive  the  ad- 
monition ot  love,  aud  should  fall  into  more  grievous  sins, 
the  church  has  to  put  them  in  avoidance,  and  have  no  com- 
pany with  them,  according  to  the  word  of  the  apostle. 

Art.  14.  Concerning  breaking  up  in  the  morning  after 
love-feast,  it  was  considered  that  members  and  their  chil- 
dren who  stay  till  morning,  should  not  separate  and  leave 
until  prayer  and  thanksgiving  to  God  is  made. 

Art.  15.  Whether  a  brother  may  take  the  liberty  to  go 
on  the  muster  ground  or  take  part  in  the  festivities  of  In- 
dependence-day ?  Considered  that  no  brother  should  take 
the  liberty  to  go  to  such  places. 

Art.  16.  Wheu  a  member  is  put  in  avoidance,  how  far  is 
his  companion  in  wedlock  to  be  held  as  a  member  ?  It  was 
considered  that  she  may  be  held  as  a  member,  yet  so  as  not 
to  break  the  bread  of  communion. 

Art.  17.  With  regard  to  persons  who  live  m  adultery,  it 
was  considered  that  they  could  not  be  received  into  the 
church  as  long  as  they  live  in  such  condition. 

Art.  18.  Concerning  the  form  or  proposing  oaths  in  or- 
der to  save  one's  conscience  for  the  gospel's  sake,  whether 
we  could  answer  with  yea  such  a  form,  "And  this  you  do 
under  the  pains  and  penalties  of  perjury?  "  It  was  consid- 
ered, if  a  brother  were  grieved  herein,  let  him  counsel 
whether  there  was  no  other  form  for  us. 

Art.  19.  Concerning  the  form  or  manner  of  swearing 
oaths  to  save  our  consciences  for  the  gospel's  sake,  whether 
we  could  answer  with  yea  such  a  form,  viz. :  "And  this  you 
do  under  the  pains  and  penalties  of  perjury  ? "  It  has  been 
considered,  that  if  a  brother  were  oppressed  or  troubled 
herein,  let  him  consider  or  seek  counsel,  whether  there  is 
no  other  form  for  us. 

Art.  20.  At  the  yearly  meeting  in  Ohio,  1822,  the  ques- 
tion was  presented,  whether  such  as  were  not  members 
could  be  present  in  our  church  councils,  and  the  answer 
was:  "Considered,  as  it  was  at  all  times  considered,  that  it 
could  not  be  allowed." 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  63 

Art.  21.  If  a  brother  has  a  vendue,  and  gives  freely 
strong  drink,  how  is  it  considered  ?  It  was  considered,  that 
no  brother  should  give  strong  drink  at  the  sale  of  his 
property. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1825. 

Artcle  1.  Whether  a  brother  may  keep  and  sell  strong 
drink,  has  been  considered  thus:  because  so  often  disorder 
is  caused  by  strong  drink,  it  is  improper  for  a  brother  to 
sell  it,  and  should  not  be  at  all  suffered. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  a  brother  may  take  a  mortgage  or  judg- 
ment bond  of  another  brother,  was  considered,  that  breth- 
ren should  be  as  careful  of  the  interest  of  their  neighbor  as 
of  their  own,  and  not  be  selfish ;  and  inasmuch  to  take  bail 
for  large  sums  is  deemed  wrong,  it  is  not  improper  to  secure 
a  debt  by  mortgage  or  judgment. 

Art.  Concerning  separation  or  excommunication,  being 
viewed  of  unequal  degrees.  It  was  considered,  that  accord- 
ing to  apostolic  doctrine,  such  having  committed  gross  or 
vicious  sins,  must  be  put  entirely  in  avoidance,  while  less 
transgressions  only  precluded  from  the  kiss,  brotherly  coun- 
sel, and  the  breaking  of  bread. 

Art.  4.  Whether  a  brother  may  teach  singing-schools, 
was  considered,  that  the  musical  schools,  as  they  are  gene- 
rally conducted,  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  service  of  God, 
and  that  a  brother  should  teach  none. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  brother  minister  that  involves  him- 
self in  debts,  and  assigns  his  property  to  his  children,  could 
serve  in  the  ministry  of  the  word,  was  considered,  that 
"when  the  creditors  should  be  defrauded  thereby,  he  should 
give  himself  over  to  the  (judgment  of  the)  church,  and 
without  doubt  ought  not  to  serve  (in  the  office  of  a  minister). 


64  MINUTES    OF 

Art,  6.  Concerning  a  brother  holding  the  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  has  been  twice  before  the  big  meeting, 
and  was  always  considered  that  it  was  not  at  all  consistent 
with  the  gospel ;  but  as  something  more  definite  is  request- 
ed, the  counsel  is  now,  if  such  an  one  has  been  admonished 
already  before  to  give  up  that  office,  and  is  once  and  again 
admonished  (in  the  name  of  the  church)  to  do  so,  and  will 
not  give  it  up,  such  an  one  we  could  not  hold  as  a  brother. 

Art.  7.  At  the  yearly  meeting  in  Morrison's  Cove,  1825, 
the  question  was  presented,  "In  case  members  commit  a 
public  fault  for  which  an  acknowledgment  is  required, 
should  it  be  made  publicly,  or  only  before  the  church  ?  It 
was  considered,  in  case  the  transgression  was  made  without 
the  church,  and  is  deemed  by  the  world  a  fault,  and  the 
transgressor  should  feel  in  himself  urged  to  it  (to  make  a 
public  confession),  in  such  case  it  might  be  good;  but  if  it 
should  be  something  that  is  not  deemed  a  transgression  bv 
the  world,  and  the  conviction  were  not  truly  born  from 
within,  or  from  the  heart,  then  it  would  be  no  light  before 
the  world,  and  it  would  be  better  done  before  the  member- 
ship. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1827. 

Article  1.  About  the  ordinance  of  anointing  the  sick, 
the  manner  of  proceeding  has  ever  been,  first  to  sing  a  few 
verses,  and  with  a  united  prayer  to  turn  to  God.  Then 
(there  should  always  be  two  brethren)  the  one  reaches  forth 
his  hand  and  the  other  poureth  the  oil  on  it,  and  the  first 
puts  the  same  on  the  head  of  the  sick,  and  says  the  words, 
which  the  Apostle  James  teaches  (chap.  v.  14),  "Thou  art 
anointed  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,"  and  thus  three  times, 
but  the  words  only  once  said.  Then  both  brethren  lay 
their  hands  upon  the  head  of  the  sick,  and  pray  over  him, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  65 

For  it  is  not  considered  to  be  intended  only  an  inward  unc- 
tion, but  an  outward  anointing,  whereof  the  apostle  speaks, 
as  mentioned  before 

Art.  2.  About  the  avoidance  and  restoration  of  mem- 
bers. When  a  member,  on  account  of  crimes  committed, 
must  be  separated  and  put  in  avoidance,  and  should  after- 
ward become  reformed  in  life  and  conduct,  and  apply  for 
restoration  or  for  release  from  the  avoidance,  and  the  church 
could  not  yet  feel  satisfied  to  restore  such  entirely,  they 
might  be  released;  and  should  such  fall  again  into  crime, 
Ave  would  have  a  right  to  put  them  again  into  avoidance. 

Art.  3.  Concerning  receiving  persons  who  have  been  bap- 
tized in  the  proper  manner  by  other  denominations.  Con- 
sidered, that  those  who  have  been  received  before  with  the 
laying  on  of  hands  (and  prayer),  we  receive  with  hand  and 
kiss;  and  those  on  whom  the  laying  on  of  hands  had  not 
been  observed,  we  should  receive  by  the  laying  on  of  hands, 
etc.,  etc. 

Art.  4.  Concerning  receiving  sick  persons  who  can  not 
be  baptized  on  account  of  their  sickness  and  weakness,  was 
considered,  that  they  might  be  received,  and  if  they  should 
die,  they  might  die  as  members,  but  if  they  should  live  and 
be  well  again,  they  should  and  would  be  baptized. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  brother  holding  an  office  in  the  church 
may  distill  ardent  spirits,  was  considered,  and  concluded 
that  it  is  not  becoming  for  any  brother  to  do  so,  much  less 
foi*  a  brother  in  office. 

Art.  G.  "Whether  there  should  be  no  other  meat  but  mut- 
ton at  the  supper  was  generally  considered  as  most  agreea- 
ble (to  our  feelings  "gemuthlichste")  to  take  mutton,  as  it 
has  been  always  customary  with  the  ancient  brethren,  yet 
to  make  no  law  herein,  and  to  bear  with  one  another. 

Art.  7.  With  regard  to  selling  bonds,  it  was  considered, 
that  none  should  be  sold  by  which  poor  people  might  be 
oppressed;  but  since  circumstances  are  so  different,  the 
church  should  be  counseled  (asked  for  counsel  in  any  case). 


Q6  -  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  considered  to  lay  carpets  in  (our) 
houses?  It  was  considered  that  it  belongs  to  the  grandeur 
(highness)  of  this  world,  and  that  it  will  not  become  a  fol- 
lower of  Jesus  to  garnish  his  house  in  this  manner,  but 
rather  that  he  should  adorn  his  house  as  may  be  consistent 
with  lowliness. 

Art.  9.  Concerning  taking  pay  for  solemnizing  mar- 
riages and  preaching  funeral  sermons.  It  was  unanimously 
considered,  that  it  should  not  be  among  brethren. 

Art.  10.  Whether  we  may  be  allowed  to  hold  infares? 
Considered,  that  it  (such  things)  belongs  to  pride,  extrava- 
gance, and  vanity,  and  should  not  be  among  members. 

Art.  11 .  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  brother  keeps  a  brew- 
ery, and  makes  strong  beer?  Considered,  though  it  could 
not  be  directly  forbidden  to  a  brother,  but  ought  to  be  left 
to  his  own  conscience,  and  (yet  we  wish)  to  advise  him 
that  the  safest  way  would  be,  not  to  carry  on  such  a  busi- 
iness,  from  which  may  arise  so  many  and  great  disorders." 

Art.  12.  Concerning  members  who  engage  in  the  raising 
of  tobacco  ?  Considered,  that  members  should  have  noth- 
ing to  do  with  such  things,  by  which  so  much  mischief  is 
done,  and  so  many  men  (and  women  too)  are  led  captive, 
as  is  the  case  with  tabacco. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1828. 

Article  1.  Whether  a  brother  can  belong  to  the  Free- 
masons and  still  be  a  brother  (in  the  church)  ?  Considered, 
that  it  can  not  be. 

Art.  2.  Whether  we  may  conform  ourselves  to  the  world 
with  unnecessary  things  on  our  carriages?  Considered, 
that  it  can  not  be.     (See  foregoing  note.) 

Art.  3.  Whether  brethren  may  go  to  the  elections?  It 
is  the  opinion  of  most  of  the  brethren  that  we  should  keep 
ourselves  free  (clear)  of  them. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  67 

Art.  4.  Whether  we  may  do  labor  on  Sunday,  it  was 
deemed  good  to  refrain  from  it. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  member  might  be  anointed  more 
than  once,  was  considered  and  decided,  that  it  maybe  done 
on  request  of  the  sick  person. 

Art.  6.  Whether  a  person  may  be  received  into  the 
church,  having  been  immersed  but  once  ?  It  is  the  coun- 
sel to  be  better  that  tliey  should  be  baptized  again  in  the 
true  order. 

Art.  7.  Whether  we  had  a  right  to  cause  a  candidate  for 
baptism  to  make  a  vow  ?  It  was  considered,  that  it  is  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel  to  receive  them  in  the  order  of  the 
Brethren  as  usual. 

Art.  8.  Whether  the  holy  kiss  should  be  observed  at 
feet-washing  and  the  breaking  of  bread  ?  Considered,  that 
it  is  right  and  proper. 

Art.  9.  Whether  the  holy  kiss  should  have  a  place  at 
feet-washing  (between  those  who  serve  and  those  who  are 
served) ;  and  at  (before)  the  breaking  of  bread?  Consid- 
ered, that  it  should  be.  (The  new  commandment  (John 
xin.  34,  35)  brings  it  very  near  to  both  ordinances,  and  a 
love^feastwithout  this  token  of  love  would  scarcely  deserve 
the  name. 

Art.  10.  Whether  we  might  have  small  love-feasts  ? 

Art.  11.  Whether  brethren  may  have  carpets  in  their 
houses,  was  considered,  that  it  can  not  and  should  not  be, 
because  it  leads  to  elevation  (pride). 

Art.  12.  Whether  brethren  may  have  distilleries  was 
considered,  and  concluded  that  it  should  not  be,  nor  by 
their  children,  as  far  as  the  authority  of  the  parents  ex- 
tends ;  and  if  such  brother  will  not  take  (or  obey)  the  ad- 
vice, we  could  not  commune  nor  have  fellowship  with  him. 
Also,  to  sell  grain  to  distilleries  (especially)  when  grain  is 
scarce,  should  indeed  not  be. 

Art.  13.  Whether,  if  a  member  sees  another  member 
commit  sin  publicly  against  truth,  the  first  is  in  duty  bound 


68  MINUTES   OF 

to  speak  privately  to  the  failing  member,  or  (at  once  to) 
present  the  ease  to  one  of  the  leading  brethren  ?  Consid- 
ered (whether  to  do  the  first),  it  is  as  a  member  may  choose 
but  to  do  the  latter  remains  his  duty,  inasmuch  as  public  sins 
can  not  be  atoned  for  between  member  and  member. 

Art.  14.  "Whether  we  may  build  meeting-houses?  Con- 
sidered, to  leave  it  over  to  every'church  to  do  as  they  deem 
good. 

Art.  15.  Whether  we  might  hold  small  (private,  not 
publicly  announced)  love-feasts?  Considered,  in  cases  where 
there  are  but  few  members  (or  where  a  member  is  on  a  sick 
bed,  desirous  to  partake  once  more),  provided  that  one  or- 
dained, brother  would  be  present,  and  that  every  thing 
would  be  done  at  the  right  time  and  in  proper  order,  there 
could  be  no  objection  at  all,  and  it  would  not  be  contrary 
to  the  (word  of)  truth ;  yet  care  should  be  taken  that  it 
may  not  cause  grief  (pressure)  or  loss  of  affection. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1830. 

Article  1.  Whether  a  minister  may  break  the  bread,  of 
communion  and  communicate  the  cup  of  thanksgiving  to 
a  sick  person  who  is  not  a  member?  Considered,  as  con- 
trary to  our  faith  and  conscience,  and  as  more  advisable  to 
point  or  direct  the  sick  to  Christ  and  inward  communion. 
Another  question  presented  and  answered,  that  sick  per- 
sons, who  wish  to  be  baptized,  but  feel  too  weak,  might  be 
received  under  the  promise,  that  if  restored  to  health  they 
would  submit  to  the  command  and  ordinance  of  Christ, 
and  in  case  of  their  death  they  may  find  comfort  in  there- 
flection  that  God  sees  their  good  intentions,  and  may  accept 
them  for  the  deed. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  TEE  BRETHREN.         69 

Art.  2.  Whether  a  brother  may  take  a  wife  who  has  al- 
ready a  husband,  but  is  deserted  and  set  free  by  him?  This 
has  long  since  been  considered  that  it  can  not  be  according 
to  the  word  and  gospel. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1831. 

Article  1.  Whether  it  was  considered  advisable  for  a 
member  to  have  his  son  educated  in  a  college  ?  Considered 
not  advisable,  inasmuch  as  experience  has  taught  that  such 
very  seldom  will  come  back  afterward  to  the  humble  ways 
of  the  Lord. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  it  could  be  approved  of  when  the  broth- 
erly kiss  is  so  often  omitted,  even  at  meetings  and  love- 
feasts  ?     Considered,  no,  not  at  all. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1832. 

Article  1.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  serves  on  a 
grand  jury,  and  bears  testimony  against  a  brother,  by 
which  the  latter  is  caused  to  suffer  costs,  and  the  testimony 
is  not  given  from  necessity  or  duty,  but  from  want  of  love? 
Considered,  that  serving  on  juries  was  ever  deemed  im- 
proper for  brethren ;  but  in  this  special  case  the  church 
where  it  occurred,  and  who  should  know  and  weigh  all  the 
circumstances,  should  judge  according  to  the  law  of  Christ, 
according  to  the  testimony. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  such  may  participate  in  the  Lord's 
Supper  who  are  not  members,  if  there  is  room?  Consid- 
ered, to  leave  it  to  the  churches,  when  there  is  such  room. 

Art.  3.  Whether  it  would  be  approved,  when  brethren 
engage   in    storekeeping   and   selling   of    strong    drinks? 


70  MINUTES    OF 

Considered,  the  first  might  be  allowed  in  cases  of  necessity, 
where  a  brother  has  no  other  way  to  make  a  living,  but  the 
latter  in  no  case  whatever. 

Art,  4.  Concerning  the  omitting  of  the  holy  kiss  among 
members.  Considered,  that  it  should  not  be,  and  that  it  is 
an  evidence  of  a  want  of  love. 

Art.  5.  How  to  do  when  a  brother  is  indebted  to  anoth- 
er, and  becomes  insolvent?  Answer.  The  church  should 
deal  with  him  according  to  the  circumstances  or  degrees  of 
aggravation,  according  to  the  word. 

Art.  6.  How  is  it  considered  concerning  persons  who 
wish  to  be  received,  and  had  already  been  immersed  but 
once  by  other  Baptists  ?  Considered,  that  some  have  been 
received  without  baptism,  as  we  believe  it  ought  to  be  per- 
formed, and  they  afterward  came  of  their  own  accord  to 
receive  the  baptism  according  to  the  word. 

Art.  7.  "Whether  at  a  council  concerning  candidates  for 
baptism,  their  nearest  friends  should  withdraw  ?  Decided 
as  before. 

Art.  8.  Change  of  the  time  of  yearly  meeting.  Meeting 
to  commence  on  Pentecost,  with  public  meeting  and  love- 
feast.     Monday  and  Tuesday,  council  meeting. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1833. 

Article  1.  "Whether  we  are  to  immerse  at  baptism  once 
or  thrice?  It  was  considered,  that  we  can  not  deem  any 
other  baptism  as  valid,  according  to  the  word  of  God,  but 
a  threefold  immersion. 

Art.  2.  Whether  there  is  any  difference  in  using  the  law 
for  our  own  benefit  or  only  as  executors  or  administrators? 
Considered,  there  is  none  in  reality ;  it  is  wrong  for  our- 
selves, it  is  wrong  if  we  do  it  for  others. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  71 

Art.  3.  Whether  a  brother  who  was  chosen  to  the  (min- 
istry of  the)  word  in  one  church,  and  moves  into  another 
with  a  good  testimony,  can  be  relieved  from  his  office  (or 
rather  literally  put  back  from  it)  ?  It  was  always  consid- 
ered, when  a  ministering  brother  moves  out  of  the  church 
which  chose  him,  he  moves  out  of  his  office — that  is,  before 
he  is  fully  ordained;  and  that  it  was  at  the  option  of  the 
church  into  which  he  moves  to  receive  him  with  his  office 
or  not.  If  his  life  and  conduct  inspire  love  and  confidence, 
it  will  not  be  long  before  he  may  be  called  to  exercise  his 
ministry  again.     Have  patience! 

Art.  4.  Whether  a  person  may  be  admitted  to  our  (com- 
munion or)  breaking  of  bread,  who  is  not  baptized  accord- 
ing to  gospel  (as  we  understand  it)  ?     Considered,  no. 

Art.  5.  Whether  the  supper  must  he  on  the  table  at  feet- 
washing?  (Xo;  there  is  no  such  command  in  the  gospel; 
and  if  the  example  of  Christ  is  urged,  it  is  also  a  mooted, 
doubtful  question  on  this  point.  It  must  be  recollected 
that  the  translators  of  our  modern  version  of  the  Xew 
Testament  did  not  believe  or  practice  feet-washing,  or  know 
any  thing  about  the  real  Lord's  Supper,  calling  the  com- 
munion of  bread  and  wine  the  Lord's  Supper.  We  all  be- 
lieve that  John  sin.  2  is  wrongly  translated  by  saying, 
"Supper  being  ended"  before  feet-washing  is  mentioned, 
while  it  is  evident,  from  verses  26-30,  that  supper  was  not 
ended  then). 

Art.  6.  Whether  the  supper  must  be  on  the  table  at  feet- 
washing?    Answered  as  before. 

Art.  7.  Whether  a  member  has  a  right  to  appeal  to  the 
yearly  meeting,  when  put  back  by  the  council  of  his  church? 
The  answer,  not  recorded,  was  similar  to  the  following  : 

Art.  8.  About  the  making  and  using  of  strong  drink,  a 
strong  testimony  was  made  at  this  meeting  against  it. 


'  -  MINUTES    OF 

ANXUAL  MEETING  OF  1834. 

Articlz  1.  How  it  is  considered  to  sins:  at  or  during  the 
breaking  of  bread?  Considered,  as  not  proper,  but  at  the 
distribution  of  the  cup  very  proper.  It  was  also  remarked, 
that  there  should  be  no  drinking  without  necessity  while 
the  supper  is  served,  until  all  is  served  up,  and  a  blessing  asked 
of  God,  because  we  are  to  "tarry  for  one  another." 

Art.  2.  Whether  we  may  work  on  Sunday,  such  as  saw- 
ing (on  sawmills,)  shooting,  moving,  etc.  It  was  considered, 
that  it  should  not  be  by  any  means,  but  that  we  ought  to 
spend  the  Sunday  in  stillness,  and  in  the  fear  of  God,  in 
order  to  be  offensive  to  no  one. 

Art.  3.  Whether  we  may  take  interest  from  a  brother? 
Considered  somewhat  differently,  but  our  (charity)  modera- 
tion should  be  known,  and  we  should  be  willing  to  lend  to 
the  poor  without  interest. 

Art.  4.  Whether  we  could  receive  into  our  church  a  per- 
son that  has  been  immersed  once  backward,  without  bap- 
tizing him  again  ?  Considered,  that  though  it  has  been 
done  before,  still  we  believe  that  the  best  and  safest  way  is 
to  baptize  them  right,  and  according  to  the  proper  order 
(as  we  believe),  and  that  hereafter  it  should  not  be  done 
otherwise. 

Art.  5.  How  it  is  considered,  when  a  member  who  was 
received  after  having  been  baptized  with  only  one  immer- 
sion backward,  without  receiving  baptism  according  to  our 
order,  moves  into  another  church,  and  there  is  required  to 
be  baptized?     Answer  in  foregoing  article  4. 

Art.  6.  Concerning  a  certain  brother's  certificate;  whether 
a  certificate  could  be  given  to  a  brother  minister  who  moves 
away  from  his  church  without  paying  his  debts  ?  Special 
advice  given,  but  not  noted. 

Art.  7.  How  is  it  viewed  when  a  ministering  brother,  as 
executor  or  administrator  of  an  estate,  is  compelled  to  use 
the  law?  Considered,  he  should  do  nothing  without  the 
counsel  of  the  church. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  73 

Art.  8.  Concerning  the  office  of  supervisor  and  other 
worldly  offices,  was  considered,  that  brethren  should  keep 
themselves  clear  of  them  as  much  as  possible. 

Art.  9.  Concerning  high  and  fashionable  clothing,  etc., 
and  conformity  to  the  world,  it  was  considered  a  great  evil 
as  heretofore,  which  is  not  to  be  tolerated  in  the  church. 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  considered  when  a  brother,  not  yet 
ordained,  should  administer  the  communion  in  presence  of 
ordained  brethren?  (If  the  ordained  brethren  desire  him 
to  do  so,  there  can  be  no  objection;  on  the  contrary, 
it  is  desirable  for  young  hands  in  any  work  to  have  more 
experienced  friends  near  to  advise  or  assist.) 

Art.  11.  Whether  a  brother  can  serve  on  a  jury,  where  a 
man  is  tried  for  his  life  (as  a  murderer)  ?  Considered,  no, 
it  can  not  be  at  all. 

Art.  12.  If  a  brother  who  is  a  minister  should  transgress 
so  that  the  church  has  to  set  him  back,  and  if  he  is  after- 
wards received  again  upon  his  acknowledgment,  whether 
he  is  to  be  received  with  or  without  his  office  ?  Considered, 
that  depends  upon  the  church,  aud  also  upon  the  nature  of 
his  transgression. 

Art.  1-3.  Concerning  a  sister's  preaching.  Not  approved 
of;  considering  such  sister  being  in  danger,  not  only  ex- 
posing her  own  state  of  grace  to  temptation,  but  also  caus- 
ing temptations,  discord,  and  disputes  among  other  mem- 
bers. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1835. 

Article  1.  How  it  is  viewed  to  receive  colored  people 
into  our  church  ?  Considered,  to  make  no  difference  on 
account  of  color. 

Art.  2.  Concerning  the  trouble  between- Bro.  M.  L.  and 
the  church,  L.  was  earnestly  admonished  by  the  old  breth- 


74  MINUTES   OF 

ren  to  amend  his  ways ;  not  to  creep  into  houses  in  order 
to  bring  members  into  confusion  and  cause  division  in  the 
church,  inasmuch  as  they  (the  old  brethren)  saw  and  under- 
stood what  manner  of  spirit  was  in  him.  For  if  he  should 
come  so  far  as  to  speak  in  a  traducing  and  railing  spirit 
against  the  church,  he  would  have  to  be  put  in  avoidance. 

Art.  3.  Concerning  taking  interest.  Considered  not 
allowed  by  thegospel,  and  brethren  should  beware  of  usury 
(unlawful  interest)  especially. 

Art.  4.  How  it  is  considered  when  brethren  go  with 
their  children  to  shows  ?     Considered,  it  should  not  be. 

Art.  5.  How  it  is  viewed  to  elect  brethren  for  the  min- 
istry by  lot  ?  Considered,  to  abide  the  manner  of  holding 
a  choice  hitherto  observed. 

Art.  6.  Concerning  the  commencement  of  Yearly  Meet- 
ings on  Saturday,  or  according  to  the  ancient  order.  No 
change  made  at  this  time.  (See  further,  "Annual  Meetings.)" 

Art.  7.  How  it  is  considered  when  brethren  go  to  mus- 
ter and  drill.  Considered,  that  it  is  contrary  to  our  baptis- 
mal vow,  contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  and  contrary  to  the 
professed  principle  of  the  church,  and  can  by  no  means  be 
permitted  or  tolerated. 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  considered,  it  ministers  move  into 
churches  where  there  is  no  ordained  elder,  whether  they 
can  be  received  where  no  bishop  is  present?  No;  there 
ought  to  be  one  or  more  bishops  invited  for  the  occasion, 
or  the  matter  postponed  to  another  time.  Meanwhile, 
those  new  comers  may  serve  in  their  office  as  guests. 

Art.  9.  How  it  is  considered  to  sell  grain  to  distilleries? 
Should  not  be,  except  in  case  of  necessity. 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  considered  when  brethren  keep  tav- 
ern ?     Considered,  as  entirely  unbecoming  for  brethren. 

Art.  11.  What  is  the  order  to  receive  applicants  for  bap- 
tism ?  It  is  necessary  that  there  should  be  self-knowledge, 
repentance,  and  faith,  together  with  scriptural  instruction, 
and  then  that  it  may  be  done  with  the  counsel  of  the  church. 


ANNUAL   .MEETINGS   OF    THE    BRETHREN.  75 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  considered  to  receive  colored  persons 
into  the  church?  (The  object  of  the  question  was  not 
whether  they  should  be  received  at  all,  but  whether  they 
could  or  must  be  received  or  treated  altogether  like  white 
members).  It  was  considered,  that  inasmuch  as  the  gospel 
is  to  be  preached  to  all  nations  and  races,  and  if  they  come 
as  repentant  sinners,  believing  in  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ, 
and  apply  for  baptism,  we  could  not  consistently  refuse 
them.  But  inasmuch  we  receive  our  fellow  members  with 
the  holy  kiss,  and  there  is  a  repugnance  in  some  of  our 
white  members  to  salute  colored  persons  in  this  manner, 
the  colored  members  should  bear  with  that  weakness,  and 
not  offer  the  kiss  to  such  weak  members  until  they  become 
stronger,  and  make  the  first  offer,  etc.  Otherwise,  if  they 
(the  colored  members)  prove  faithful,  they  should  be  con- 
sidered on  an  equality  of  full  membership. 

Art.  13.  How  it  is  considered  when  brethren  go  with 
their  children  to  shows?     Considered,  it  should  not  be. 

Art.  14.  Concerning  the  commencement  of  yearly  meet- 
ings on  Saturday,  or  according  to  the  ancient  order.  No 
change  made  at  this  time. 

Art.  15.  "What  is  the  duty  of  a  visiting  brother?  First, 
as  visiting  brethren  and  overseers  of  the  poor  in  the  church, 
they  have  to  assist  and  attend  to  the  yearly  general  visit 
from  house  to  house;  and  it  is  necessary,  and  their  duty, 
when  the  church  is  divided  into  different  visit  districts,  to 
take  the  lead  in  the  visit  as  well  as  that  of  the  ministers ; 
and  in  case  the  ministers  could  not  assist  on  account  of  sick- 
ness, it  is  the  duty  of  the  deacons  to  carry  out  the  visit  with 
other  brethren,  and  to  bring  before  the  minister  and  the 
church  what  they  have  found.  Further,  when  any  thing 
of  importance  is  to  be  investigated  in  the  church,  the  min- 
isters have  the  right  to  request  them  (the  deacons)  to  ac- 
company them,  or  if  the  case  is  not  of  special  importance, 
to  send  them  (the  deacons)  to  investigate  the  matter  and 
bring  it  before  the  ministry.     Further,  it  is  their  duty,  in- 


76  MINUTES  -OF 

asmuch  as  they  have  been  elected  to  be  overseers  of  the 
poor,  to  visit  the  sick,  especially  if  they  are  poor,  who  may 
be  in  distress  by  reason  of  sickness  or  other  causes,  to  ex- 
amine their  case,  and  to  report  to  the  ministry,  and,  if 
necessary,  the  ministers  to  hold  a  council  with  the  church 
what  is  further  to  be  done.  "When  money  or  grain  is  con- 
tributed in  the  church  for  the  poor  in  the  church,  it  is  their 
duty  to  keep  a  regular  book  account  of  what  they  receive 
and  what  they  lay  out  for  the  poor  or  otherwise  for  the 
church,  so  that  they  are  able  at  times  to  render  an  account 
with  and  to  the  church.  Upon  the  whole,  all  that  may  oc- 
cur in  the  church  and  is  to  be  investigated,  is  committed  to 
their  care,  and  if  they  hear  of  any  thing,  to  bring  it  before 
the  ministers,  to  counsel  whether  it  is  to  be  examined,  and 
to  see  it  done  if  found  necessary. 

Further,  it  is  their  calling  to  assist  the  ministers  at  meet- 
ing, by  reading  the  Scriptures,  by  using  freedom  in  prayer, 
and  to  bear  testimony  to  what  was  spoken  ;  and  if  it  should 
happen  that  no  minister  (of  the  word)  could  come  to  meet- 
ing, it  is  their  duty  to  lead  the  worship  by  singing,  prayer, 
and  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  if  they  feel  so,  to  exhort 
to  the  edification  of  the  congregation  ;  yet  it  was  the  coun- 
sel of  the  old  brethren  that  it  is  not  their  calliug  to  rise  on 
their  feet  in  order  to  exhort;  and  thus  to  conclude  the 
meeting  in  the  usual  order,  and  to  make  the  ordinary  ap- 
pointments for  meeting.  Again,  when  a  minister  is  called 
to  hold  meetings  in  another  district,  and  he  requests  the 
visiting  brethren  to  give  him  company  and  assistance,  it  is 
their  duty  to  assist,  and  one  or  the  other  to  go  with  him. 

Further,  it  is  their  duty  to  serve  at  tables;  when  a  love- 
feast  is  held,  ;to  make  the  necessary  preparations,  to  call  as 
many  other  brethren  as  they  need  to  assist,  and  at  the  time 
of  the  love-feast  to  see  to  it  that  the  sisters  can  get  all 
things  ready  at  the  proper  time,  and  themselves  setting  the 
tables,  and  so  in  all  things  see  to  it  that  everything  is  done 
decently  and  in  order. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  77 

Art.  16. '  Concerning  going  to  elections  and  serving  as 
jurymen.  It  was  considered  in  both  cases,  that  brethren 
should  hold  themselves  loose  as  much  as  possible,  or  en- 
tirely, which  is  best.  Particularly,  no  brother  should  take 
part  in  electioneering  at  an  election,  which  is  deemed  very 
hurtful,  and  should  not  be  among  brethren,  etc. 

Art.  17.  Concerning  serving  on  juries  at  trials  for  life  or 
death  ?     Answered  as  before. 

Art.  18.  How  is  it  viewed  for  brethren  to  sell  gram  to 
distillers?  Considered,  that  it  should  not  be,  especially  if 
grain  is  scarce  and  high  in  price.  Besides,  it  was  men- 
tioned of  the  abuse  and  harm  which  comes  from  what  is 
made  by  the  distiller,  and  that  brethren  should  take  no 
part  in  it,  and  by  no  means  use  distilled  liquors  for  a  com- 
mon beverage,  nor  offer  it  to  those  that  work  for  them. 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered,  when  members  wash  the 
feet  or  salute  with  the  holy  kiss  those  who  are  not  mem- 
bers of  the  church?  Considered,  we  should  not  do  so,  if 
it  gives  offense. 

Art.  20.  How  it  it  is  considered,  when  brethren  keep 
tavern  ?     Considered,  as  entirely  unbecoming  for  brethren. 

Art.  21.  What  is  the  order  to  receive  applicants  for  bap- 
tism ?  It  is  necessary  that  there  should  be  self-knowledge, 
repentance  and  faith,  together  with  scriptural  instruction, 
and  then  that  it  may  be  done  with  the  counsel  of  the 
church. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1836. 

Article  1.  Whether  a  brother  would  have  a  right  to 
take  such  money,  which  he  had  acquired  as  a  soldier  by 
war?  Considered  in  union,  that  it  can  not  be,  acccording 
to  the  doctrine  of  Jesus. 

Art.  2.  Whether  a  brother  or  sister  could  be  allowed  to 


78  MINUTES    OF 

sell  strong  drink?  Considered,  that  it  should  absolutely 
not  be. 

Art.  3.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother  who  professes 
and  claims  to  be  urged  by  the  spirit  ot  God  to  preach  the 
gospel,  and  who  is  not  chosen  by  the  church  for  it?  He 
is  counseled  and  allowed,  after  the  elect  brethren  have 
spoken,  to  make  known  by  exhortation  if  there  is  any 
thing  on  his  mind  ;  he  may  also  use  liberty  in  public  prayer, 
when  necessary,  or  in  reading  the  Scriptures,  provided 
he  is  acceptable  by  the  church. 

Art.  4.  How  is  it  deemed  best  at  the  yearly  meeting, 
whether  first  to  hold  council,  or  first  public  meeting  and 
communion  ?  It  was  considered  as  expedient,  to  commence 
on  Lord's  day  with  public  meeting,  and  in  the  evening 
to  break  the  bread  of  communion,  and  afterward  to  hold 
council. 

Art.  5.  When  a  bishop  is  old  and  too  feeble  to  serve  in 
his  office  fully  as  he  ought,  whether  (the  church)  have  a 
right  to  select  another?  The  counsel  is,  to  go  to  counsel 
with  the  nearest  churches,  and  if  looking  on  the  propo- 
sition favorably,  and  the  old  bishop  and  his  church  would 
be  of  one  mind,  then  it  might  be  done. 

Art.  6.  What  should  be  the  name  of  our  fraternity, 
when  a  title  for  a  meeting-house  is  made  and  recorded  in 
the  public  offices?  Unanimously  concluded  to  call  our- 
selves the  Fraternity  of  German  Baptists. 

Art.  7.  Concerning  work  or  moving  on  Sunday,  it  was 
considered  improper  to  do  so. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  79 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1837. 

At  an  annual  meeting  held  in  Rockingham  County,  Vir- 
ginia, at  the  meeting-house  near  Bro.  John  Kline,  on  Lin- 
well's  Creek,  the  15th  of  May,  1837,  the  following  points 
have  been  presented  to  the  council  of  the  old  brethren,  and 
have  been  considered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord : 

Article  1.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  member  desires  to 
be  no  more  with  the  church,  and  yet  has  committed  no 
other  offense  ?  Since  the  circumstances  are  so  different, 
the  advice  is  also  different.  If  a  member  desires  to  be  off, 
and  doth  commit  no  other  offense,  we  could  have  patience 
somewhat  longer  with  such  a  member  than  if  a  member 
should  speak  contemptuously  of  the  church  ;  Then  the 
church  can  judge  best  how  soon  to  let  it  withdraw,  and  to 
place  it  according  to  its  desire  ;  yet  there  ought  to  be  em- 
ployed all  possible  diligence  to  bring  back  to  the  flock  such 
souls.  But  if  they  will  not  hear,  there  would  be  just  cause 
to  put  them  as  they  desire. 

Art.  2.  How  it  is  viewed,  if  a  member  is  accused  of  a 
crime  only  on  testimony  from  out  of  the  church  ?  Whether 
it  would  be  right  to  take  a  member  into  judgment  (before 
the  church)  on  such  a  testimony?  The  counsel  is  to  make 
strict  investigation,  and  if  there  should  be  nothing  found, 
and  the  member  continued  to  deny  the  charge,  it  could  not 
be  judged  on  testimony  out  of  the  church  alone. 

Art.  3.  How  it  is  considered,  to  make  a  better  arrange- 
ment in  holding  annual  meetings  according  to  the  pattern 
of  the  apostles?  (Acts  xv.)  The  unanimous  counsel  of 
this  meeting  and  desire  of  the  old  brethren  is,  to  follow  the 
track  of  the  apostles  as  closely  as  possible.  Therefore  the 
council-meeting  ought  to  consist  of  the  elders  and  all  the 
members  of  that  church  which  receives  the  meeting,  and 
of  such  teachers,  ministers,  or  (private)  members,  who  may 
be  sent  as  delegates  from  the  other  churches.  It  is  consid- 
ered necessary  that  every  church,  or,  where  the  distance  is 


80  MINUTES    OF 

too  great,  several  churches  together,  should  send  two,  three, 
or  more  delegates  to  the  annual  meeting.  The  yearly 
meeting  is  to  take  place  as  heretofore  on  Pentecost,  or 
"Whitsuntide,  and  the  council-meeting  to  be  held  on  Fri- 
day and  Saturday  before,  to  which  end  the  delegates  ought 
to  arrive  in  the  neighborhood  on  Thursday  eveuing.  The 
public  meeting  begins  on  Sunday,  when  a  love-feast  will  be 
held,  and  the  church  is  at  liberty  to  invite  thereto  also 
neighboring  churches  as  usual.  The  proceedings  of  the 
council-meeting  should  be  immediately  recorded  in  writing, 
and  as  much  as  possible  communicated  to  all  the  churches. 

Art.  4.  How  it  is  considered,  to  administer  the  anoint- 
ing of  the  sick,  or  to  hold  an  election,  without  an  ordained 
brother  (elder)  being  present?  It  is  the  advice,  that  the 
anointing  of  the  sick  should  not  be  administered  without 
an  ordained  brother,  except  in  a  case  of  necessity,  that  no 
such  is  to  be  had  ;  for  the  word  says :  Call  for  the  elders  of 
the  church.  As  to  holding  elections,  it  is  considered  that 
no  election  ought  to  be  held  without  the  presence  of  (two 
or)  at  least  one  ordained  brother. 

Art.  5.  If  a  brother  is  at  liberty  to  serve  as  cryer  or 
clerk  at  public  vendues  ?  It  is  the  counsel  of  the  meeting, 
that  no  brother  should  take  the  liberty  to  cry  at  vendues, 
because  it  is  unbecoming  for  a  brother  so  to  serve.  As  to 
the  clerkship  at  vendues,  it  could  not  be  considered  quite 
so  unbecoming,  yet  so  that  brethren  ought  to  refrain  from 
such  things  as  much  as  possible. 

Art.  6.  Whether  the  sense  of  the  words  of  the  Savior 
(Matt,  xvin  ),  "Let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man  and 
a  publican,''  is  the  same  as  the  sense  of  the  apostle,  when 
he  says  (I.  Cor.  v.),  "Have  no  company  with  him,"  etc. 
It  is  understood  by  the  meeting  almost  unanimously,  that 
the  expression  of  the  Savior,  "Let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a 
heathen  man  and  a  publican,"  excludes  a  member  only  so 
far  as  from  the  church-council,  from  the  kiss  and  the  break- 
ing of  bread ;  but  that  it  is  the  sense  of  the  apostle,  when 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         81 

he  speaks  of  the  vicious,  "Have  no  company  with  him," 
and  after  noticing  the  vices  adds  yet,  "with  such  a  one 
(you  ought)  no  not  to  eat,"  that  we  ought  to  avoid  such  a 
one  altogether  according  to  the  sense  of  the  word. 

Art.  7.  How  it  is  considered  if  members  go  to  the  pub- 
lic election  and  vote,  or  even  previously  already  electioneer 
for  the  candidates  of  office?  It  is  the  advice  of  the  old 
brethren  to  keep  ourselves  also  in  this  respect  as  free  as 
possible,  and  rather  not  go  to  the  election.  As  regards 
electioneering,  it  is  the  sense  of  the  brethren  that  no  broth- 
er ought  to  interfere  so  far  with  the  offices  and  government 
of  this  world,  according  to  the  word. 

Art.  8.  When  persons  desire,  to  be  received  through  bap- 
tism into  the  church,  if  it  be  necessary,  to  instruct  them 
before  baptism  of  the  taking  of  oaths,  going  to  war,  and 
the  like,  that  according  to  our  view  it  is  forbidden  in  the 
gospel?  The  advice  is,  that  such  persons  ought,  if  possi- 
ble, to  be  visited  before  their  baptism,  and  by  all  means  to 
be  previously  instructed  of  the  following  points,  viz. :  Of 
the  taking  of  oaths,  going  to  war  and  to  muster,  to  use  the 
power  of  the  law  contrary  to  the  gospel,  and  to  conform  to 
the  fashions  of  this  world  in  apparel  and  the  like;  and  that 
they  ought  to  state  before  their  reception  their  willingness 
to  refrain  from  all  such  things. 

Art.  9.  How  it  is  considered  if  members  take  more  than 
lawful  interest  ?  Considered,  that  it  ought  to  be  by  no 
means  ;  and  if  a  brother  should  do  so,  he  ought  to  be  visit- 
ed, and  if  he  would  not  take  advice,  we  could  not  be  sat- 
isfied with  him. 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  considered  if  a  brother  buys  and  keeps 
slaves,  and  sells  them  also  again  ?  Considered,  that  it  could 
in  no  wise  be  justified  in  a  brother,  according  to  the  gospel. 

Art.  11.  How  it  is  considered  when  a  brother  keeps  a 

brewry,  and  makes  strong  beer  ?     Considered,  that  it  could 

not  be  directly  forbidden  to  a  brother,  but  ought  to  be  left 

to  his  own  conscience,  and  to  advise  him  that  the  safest 
G 


82  MINUTES   OF 

way  would  be  not  to  carry  on  such  a  business,  from  which 
may  arise  so  many  and  great  disorders. 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  viewed  to  receive  persons  into  the 
church  without  baptism,  in  case  of  sickness  and  bodily  in- 
firmity ?  Considered,  that  we  have  no  express  word  for  it, 
and  that  it  would  be  more  advisable  and  more  safe  to  direct 
them  to  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ.  Yet  we  would  in  cer- 
tain singular  cases  not  set  bounds,  but  advise  all  teachers 
to  be  careful  to  do  nothing  without  the  counsel  of  their 
fellow  laborers,  and,  if  it  be  possible,  of  their  church. 

In  conclusion,  the  brethren  united  to  hold  their  next 
yearly  meeting  with  the  brethren  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Hagerstown,  Maryland,  on  Pentecost,  1838. 

Signed  by  the  elders  present — Daniel  Gerber,  John  Floh- 
ry,  David  Pfautz,  Daniel  Arnold,  Joseph  Gerber,  Christ. 
Johnson,  John  Price,  George  Hoke,  Abraham  Gerber, 
Benj.  Bowman,  Abraham  Yandt,  Daniel  Reiehard. 


f . 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1833. 

At  the  yearly  meeting,  held  in  Washington  County,  Ma- 
ryland, on  the  1st  and  2d  of  June,  Anno  Salutis  1838,  the 
following  queries  were  laid  before  the  council  of  the— in 
God  beloved — brethren,  and  considered  in  the  fear  of  God : 

Article  1.  Whether  a  congregation  has  the  right,  accord- 
ing to  the  gospel,  to  put  a  member  in  avoidance  or  not? 
Considered,  that  the  old  brethren  always  have  thought  it 
right,  and  still  think  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  to  put 
members  in  avoidance  in  accordance  with  the  word  of  the 
apostle.     I.  Cor.  v.  9-11. 

Art.  2.  Whether  it  is  considered  proper  to  hold  singing- 
schools  in  our  meeting-houses  ?  Chiefly  considered,  that 
meeting-houses  are  no  proper  places  for  holding  singing- 
schools  therein. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         83 

Art.  3.  Whether  it  is  proper  for  a  member  to  build  dis- 
tilleries, or  to  distill  ardent  spirits?  Considered,  as  it  has 
been  considered  these  many  years,  that  it  ought  not  to  be. 

Art.  4.  Whether  a  common  brother  has  the  right  to  go 
out,  to  appoint  or  let  others  appoint  meetings  for  himself, 
or  generally  to  teach  publicly  without  the  counsel  of  the 
church?  Considered,  that  a  brother  who  is  not  intrusted 
with  the  office,  is  not  justified  so  to  do.     James  in.  1. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  member  has  a  right  to  appoint  a 
meeting  for  a  teacher  who  is  not  in  our  connection?  Con- 
sidered, that  it  ought  not  to  be  according  to  the  exhortation 
of  the  apostle.     II.  John  v.  10. 

Art.  6.  Whether  it  be  right  to  receive  again  as  a  private 
member  a  brother  that  was  a  teacher,  and  had  been  put 
back,  without  intrusting  him  again  with  the  office?  Con- 
sidered, that  a  congregation  has  a  right  to  do  in  such  a  case 
as  it  seemeth  good  to  them. 

Art.  7.  Whether  a  teacher  has  the  right  to  remove  out 
of  the  church  without  the  counsel  of  the  same?  Consid- 
ered, that  it  is  right  and  good  that  a  brother,  in  such  an 
important  undertaking  should  seek  the  counsel  of  his 
church. 

Art.  8.  Whether  in  case  a  member  falls  into  the  judg- 
ment of  the  church,  the  nearest  relations  should  withdraw 
while  the  counsel  is  taken?  It  has  always  been  considered 
best  to  let  such  relations  withdraw 

Art.  9.  Whether  we  have  the  right  to  appoint  deacons 
without  laying  hands  on  them,  according  to  the  example  of 
the  apostles?  Acts  vi.  6.  Considered  and  resolved,  to 
postpone  the  further  consideration  of  this  query  to  the  next 
annual  meeting. 

Art.  10.  Whether  it  be  right  for  members  to  take~part 
in  Sunday-schools,  class-meetings,  and  the  like?  Consid- 
ered most  advisable  to  take  no  part  in  such  like  things. 

Art.  11.  How  it  is  considered  when  members  go  to  pub- 
lic shows,  and  even  take  their  children   along?     Unani- 


84  MINUTES    OF 

rnously  considered,  that  members  ought  to  avoid  6uch 
places,  and  to  warn  their  children  therefrom. 

Art.  12.  Whether  in  case  that  brethren  who  are  called 
to  some  ministry  move  from  one  church  into  another,  are 
received  with  their  office  by  the  church  to  which  they  have 
removed,  whether  the  sisters,  their  wives,  ought  to  be  re- 
ceived with  them,  as  in  the  case  of  an  election?  Consid- 
ered, that  it  would  be  good  to  receive  the  sisters  also  with 
them. 

Art.  13.  Whether  persons  that  have  been  babtized  for- 
merly elsewhere  with  a  threefold  immersion,  could  be  re- 
ceived among  us  as  members  without  baptism  or  not? 
Considered  almost  unanimously,  that  when  such  persons 
are  satisfied  with  their  baptism,  having  been  performed  iu 
the  right  manner,  they  may  be  received  as  members  with- 
out baptism,  yet  with  stating  to  them  the  order  (rules, 
principles)  of  the  brethren,  and  the  laying  on  of  hands. 
If  they  should,  however,  desire  baptism,  it  might  be  grant- 
ed to  their  satisfaction. 

Lastly  it  was  resolved  to  hold  the  next  annual  meeting, 
God  willing,  by  request,  with  our  beloved  brethren  at  Augh- 
wick,  Huntingdon  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Pentecost, 
1839,  yet  so  that  the  elders  and  delegated  brethren  ought 
to  arrive  in  the  neighborhood,  as  at  this  time,  on  Thursday 
before. 

Signed  by  the  elders  present — Daniel  Gerber,  David 
Pfoutz,  George  Hoke,  John  Gerber,  Jacob  Holsinger,  Da- 
vid Engler,  sen.,  Abraham  Yandt  John  Funk,  John  Brower, 
Christ.  Johnson,  Jacob  Pfoutz,  Daniel  Arnold,  Christ. 
Long,  John  Price,  John  Koyer,  Lorenz  Etter,  John  Farny, 
John  Beeghlv. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         85 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1839. 

Article  1.  Whether  a  brother  could  serve  in  the  office 
of  a  constable?     No.     (See  above,  yearly  meeting  1812.) 

Art.  2.  How  the  supper  should  be  held  ?  Considered,  as 
it  was  always  held. 

Art.  3.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother  who  wants  to 
preach,  and  forces  him  into  it  without  or  contrary  to  the 
counsel  of  the  church?  Considered,  that  such  a  brother, 
having  been  admonished  once  and  again,  can  not  be  held 
as  a  member  in  full  fellowship,  if  he  is  disobedient. 

Art.  4.  Whether  a  brother  may  give  his  house  for  hold- 
ing a  (political)  election  in  it?  The  answer  was  no;  it 
should  not  be. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  brother  may  be  intemperate  with 
strong  drink  or  tobacco  ?     No. 

Art.  6.  With  regard  to  the  laying  on  of  hands  on  dea- 
cons, it  was  concluded  to  leave  it  as  heretofore.  (See  also 
yearly  meetings,  1844,  1 ;  1845,  11 ;  1846,  3;  Tenn.  6. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1840. 

Letter  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the  Ancient  Brethren,  held  in 
Morrison's  Cove,  Bedjord,  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Pente- 
cost, Jane  5-8,  1840,  to  all  their  united  churches  and  mem- 
bers : 

May  the  blood  of  the  New  Testament  in  the  power  of 
the  everlasting  Word,  be  mighty  effectual  in  us  all,  that 
we  may  be  and  remain  followers  of  Christ  in  the  regenera- 
tion until  the  day  of  our  redemption,  when  the  hidden 
things  of  the  heart  will  be  revealed,  to  the  great  consola- 
tion and  unspeakable  joy  of  the  loving  and  suffering  chil- 
dren of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 


86  MINUTES   OF 

In  this  ardent  desire  of  faith  we  send  to  all  our  in  God 
beloved  and  in  faith  united  churches  and  members,  broth- 
ers and  sisters,  wheresoever  they  be,  our  heartfelt  and  joint 
love  and  greeting,  saying  with  the  Apostle  Paul,  "  Grace 
be  unto  you,  and  peace,  from  God  the  Father,  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

Since  it  hath  pleased  God  to  spare  our  lives,  and  to  count 
us  worthy  once  more  to  assemble  at  this  yearly  meeting, 
the  design  of  which  is  to  promote  our  union  in  love  and 
concord  of  the  spirit,  to  encourage  one  another  to  faithful- 
ness and  watchfulness  in  these  last  critical  times,  and  to 
strengthen  us  mutually  in  the  faith  and  obedience  of  the 
gospel,  to  warn  of  dangers,  and  to  resist  with  united  efforts 
every  evil  which  threatens  to  break  in,  and  especially  in 
difficulties  that  may  arise,  on  the  request  of  our  beloved 
brethren,  to  give  our  simple  advice.  There  have  been  at 
this  time  laid  before  us  the  following  points  and  queries, 
which  we  have  weighed  with  the  word  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  and  according  to  the  grace  bestowed  upon  us,  have 
answered  the  same : 

Article  1.  "Whether  it  be  agreeable  to  the  gospel,  as  the 
brethren  do,  hold  elections  for  teachers  and  deacons  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  our  mode  to  hold  elections  is  according  to  the 
gospel,  and  that  we  do  not  know  how  to  improve  it. 

Art.  2.  How  it  is  considered  when  poor  members  are 
left  to  the  overseers  of  the  poor  in  the  township  for  main- 
tenance? Considered,  that  the  church  to  which  such  a 
member  belongs  ought  to  investigate  the  case,  and  to  take 
care  of  her  own  poor  according  to  the  gospel. 

Art.  3.  In  case  one  that  was  a  brother,  and  now  is  held 
in  avoidance,  lives  at  a  distance  of  several  hundred  miles 
from  a  brother  to  whom  he  is  owing,  and  writes  back  to 
brethren  he  would  be  willing  to  pay  if  he  knew  how  much ; 
whether  the  latter  would  have  liberty  to  write  to  the  former 
how  much  he  owed  him  ?  Considered,  that  brethren  might 
state  and  send  such  accounts,  as  it  was  always  permitted  to 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         87 

settle  old  accounts  with  such  members,  that  are  held  in 
avoidance. 

Art.  4.  About  the  difference  among  the  brethren  in 
regard  to  avoidance — since,  as  it  seems,  some  know  or  ob- 
serve nothing  at  all  of  an  avoidance ;  others  take  the  lib- 
erty to  eat  with  or  to  greet  as  brethren  those  that  are  put 
into  avoidance,  which  with  those  who  feel  themselves  in 
duty  bound,  according  to  the  word,  to  observe  entirely  the 
avoidance,  often  times  causes  temptations  and  great  op- 
pression. Considered,  that  it  is  very  much  to  be  lamented 
that  such  a  difference  hath  crept  in  by  degrees  among  the 
brethren  in  such  a  highly  important  matter,  and  that  it 
ought  to  be  the  ardent  desire  and  the  serious  endeavor  of 
all  the  brethren  and  members,  and  particularly  of  the  elders 
and  teachers,  in  observing  this  evangelic  and  apostolical  or- 
dinance again  to  come  to  a  perfect  unanimity,  whereto 
****** 

Art.  5.  How  it  is  considered  about  the  visiting  of  such 
persons  who  apply  for  baptism  ;  whether  they  must  be  vis- 
ited in  all  cases  before  baptism  ?  Considered,  that  this  is  a 
good  practice,  and  that  every  where  if  possible  it  ought  to 
be  introduced  and  observed,  without  making  any  limits  in 
certain  cases  to  make  an  exception ;  and  where  this  prac- 
tice is  yet  unknown,  it  would  be  proper  to  inform  the  mem- 
bers thereof,  and  through  them  those  that  wish  to  be  re- 
ceived by  baptism. 

Art.  6.  "Whether  a  brother  may  take  the  liberty  in  a 
civil  lawsuit  as  defendant  to  answer  for  himself  or  by  an 
attorney,  and  in  case  he  should  consider  himself  wronged 
in  the  first  instance,  whether  he  is  justified  to  appeal  further? 
Considered,  that  a  brother,  if  he  is  summoned  before  a 
magistrate,  may  state  his  case,  but  before  he  would  go  any 
further  he  ought  to  ask  the  counsel  of  the  church,  which 
will  be  agreeable  with  the  gospel. 

Art.  7.  About  the  more  and  more  increasing  evil,  that 
members  conform  so  much  to  the  world  in  building,  house 


88  MINUTES   OF 

furniture,  raiment,  etc.,  and  even  to  have  a  string  of  bells 
upon  their  horses  at  sleighing?  Considered,  that  all  the 
brethren  and  members,  and  especially  teachers,  ought  to 
oppose  and  labor  against  this  growing  evil,  and  to  avoid 
the  tinkling  of  bells  as  improper  tor  brethren. 

Art.  8.  Whether  we  might  hold  meetings  at  the  houses 
of  members  that  are  excluded  (in  the  first  degree,  accord- 
ing to  Matt,  xviii.),  or  to  visit  them  in  the  name  of  the 
church  on  their  request?  Considered,  that  when  the  ex- 
communicated members  appear  to  be  penitent,  and  request 
visit  and  meeting  of  the  brethren,  it  might  be  readily 
granted. 

Art.  9.  Whether  it  could  be  allowed  for  brethren  to  go 
to  train  (or  muster)  in  the  militia  ?  Considered,  that  train- 
ing or  mustering  is  a  preparation  for  war,  and  since  we 
are  inclined  to  peace  and  a  defenseless  state,  it  would  in  no 
wise  be  proper  nor  allowable  for  brethren  to  learn  war. 
Is.  ii.  4 ;   Mic.  iv.  3. 

Art.  10.  Whether  a  public  fault  could  be  settled  and 
forgiven  between  brother  and  brother?  Considered,  that 
a  publicly  committed  fault  can  only  be  settled  before  the 
church,  and  not  between  brother  aud  brother,  according  to 
the  word  of  the  Lord. 

Art.  11.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother  who  is 
erecting  a  distillery,  and  makes  aud  sells  ardent  spirits? 
Considered,  that  when  such  a  brother  has  been  admonished 
once  and  again,  and  will  not  be  obedient  to  the  counsel  of 
the  church,  we  could  not  break  the  bread  of  communion 
with  him.  Besides,  it  is  the  advice  of  the  old  brethren,  tc 
dissuade  all  the  members  from  the  common  use  ot  intoxi- 
cating drinks,  particularly  at  buildings,  hay-making  and 
harvesting. 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  considered,  when  teachers  at  the  be- 
ginning of  meetings  exhort  so  long,  and  consume  so  much 
time  with  speaking  before  prayer  ?  Considered  that  it 
would  be  more  edifying  to  make  the  exhortation  as  brief 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         89 

as  possible,  siuce  the  apostle  teaches  that  first  of  all  suppli- 
cations, prayers,  intercessions,  etc.,  be  made.     I.  Tim.  n.  1-4. 

Art.  13.  About  receiving  again  members  that  had  been 
excluded;  in  what  manner  it  ought  to  take  place?  Con- 
sidered, that  it  was  hitherto  not  done  the  same  way  as  the 
reception  of  newly-elected  teachers  or  deacons,  where  the 
members  do  advance  toward  those  elected,  but  that  it  was 
and  is  the  mode  of  the  brethren,  the  members  to  remain  in 
their  places,  and  the  member  to  be  received  again  to  go 
from  one  to  the  other,  and  thus  to  be  received,  if  a  brother, 
by  the  brethren  with  hand  and  kiss,  and  by  the  sisters  with 
the  hand ;  and  if  a  sister,  by  the  brethren  with  the  hand, 
and  by  the  sisters  with  hand  and  kiss. 

In  conclusion,  the  brethren  agreed  to  hold  our  next  an- 
nual meeting  on  Pentecost,  1841,  with  our  brethren  in 
Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania. 

Signed  by  Daniel  Gerber,  David  Pfoutz,  Daniel  Arnold, 
Jacob  Holsiuger,  Christian  Long,  George  Hoke,  John 
Price,  Daniel  Reichard,  Abra.  Yandt,  Michel  Dicky,  Peter 
Kober,  Isaac  Shoemaker,  Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1841. 

As  it  was  customary  among  us  from  time  immemorial, 
the  old  brethren  assembled  themselves  this  year  again  from 
East  and  West,  and  from  North  and  South,  in  yearly  meet- 
ing with  Bro.  William  Miller,  in  Somerset  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, where  on  the  28th  and  29th  of  May,  A.  D.  184.1, 
the  following  points  were  presented  and  taken  into  serious 
consideration : 

Article  1.  Whether  it  would  be  right  and  allowable,  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel,  for  members  to  buy  lottery-tickets? 
Considered,  that  as  a  species  of  gambling  for  gain's  sake, 
whereby  others  must  necessarily  lose,  it  is  wrong,  and  not 
allowable  at  all  for  a  brother. 


90  MINUTES   OF 

Art.  2.  Whether  the  brethren  practice  feet-washing 
strictly  according  to  the  gospel  ?  Considered,  after  much 
conversation  and  reflection,  that  feet-washing,  as  practiced 
hitherto  by  the  brethren,  is  according  to  the  word,  and  that 
the  mode,  as  far  as  we  could  learn  until  now,  could  in  no 
wise  be  improved. 

Art.  3.  Whether  the  brethren  have  a  right  to  admit 
friends,  who  are  not  members,  to  sit  down  with  us  at  the 
Lord's  Supper,  if  there  is  room  ?  Considered,  that  making 
a  proper  distinction  between  the  supper  and  the  communion 
of  the  body  and  blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  there  could  be  no 
objection  to  admit  friends  to  the  supper,  when  there  is  room. 
Art.  4.  "Whether  it  is  proper  for  teachers  to  speak  both 
German  and  English  in  meetings,  when  there  are  only  a 
few  English  members,  the  majority  of  the  church  being 
German?  I  Considered,  that  it  is  right,  and  our  duty,  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  nation  as  far  as  we  are  able,  yet 
so  that  in  such  a  case  not  too  much  time  ought  to  be  taken 
up  in  English. 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  brother,  consistently  with  the  gospel, 
can  take  the  benefit  of  the  law  for  insolvent  debtors? 
Considered,  that  there  may  be  cases  where  the  involving  at 
first  and  the  consequences  thereupon  are  not  at  all  compati- 
ble with  the  gospel,  and  where  the  church  could  not  hold 
such  as  brethren ;  and  that  there  may  be  cases  where  a 
brother,  by  misfortune,  may  be  brought  to  such  extremity, 
and  if  he  were  honest  in  his  declaration,  his  application  for 
the  benefit  of  the  law  might  even  be  excusable.  In  all  such 
cases,  however,  the  church  has  to  investigate  the  matter, 
and  judge  accordingly,  and  if  the  church  is  at  a  loss,  to 
call  in,  as  in  other  cases,  the  assistance  of  elders  from  other 
churches. 

Art.  6.  Whether  members  may  be  brought  before  the 
council  of  the  church,  and  be  judged  for  a  crime  only  on 
testimony  from  without— i.  e.,  from  persons  that  are  not 
members  of  the  church?     Considered,  that  when  there  is 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  91 

some  report  abroad  of  a  brother  walking  disorderly,  or 
having  committed  a  crime,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church  to 
send  some  brethren  to  the  place  where  the  report  has  origin- 
ated, to  investigate  the  matter.  If  nothing  be  found  estab- 
lishing the  charge,  and  the  member  denying  the  same  after 
a  close  examination,  nothing  more  can  be  done.  If  there 
should,  however,  some  suspicion  be  created  in  the  members 
by  the  general  conduct  of  the  accused,  the  church  may  ad- 
vise such  a  member  not  to  approach  the  Lord's  table  until 
the  matter  is  cleared  up  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  church. 
But  to  disown  entirely  a  member  on  testimony  only  from 
without,  was  not  considered  right  and  just  according  to  the 
gospel. 

Art.  7.  "Whether  members  may  be  permitted  to  obtain 
and  sell  patent-rights  for  their  own  inventions?  Consid- 
ered, that  it  is  not  advisable  for  members  to  take  out  and 
sell  patent-rights. 

Art.  8.  Whether  a  teacher  has  a  right  to  break  the  bread 
of  communion  to  a  sick  person  that  is  not  a  member  of  the 
church?  Considered,  that  a  teacher  has  not  any  authority 
in  the  gospel  to  do  so,  but  that  he  should  direct  such  a  soul 
to  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  to  the  terms  and 
promises  of  the  gospel. 

Art.  9.  Whether  a  deacon  (visiting  brother)  may  give 
testimony  to  what  a  teacher  has  said  while  there  is  one  or 
more  teachers  present  that  have  not  spoken,  and  request 
him  to  speak?     Considered,  that  he  may,  if  requested. 

Art.  10.  Whether  a  follower  of  Jesus  may  attend  politi- 
cal meetings?  Considered,  that  it  is  not  becoming  at  al! 
for  brethren  who  have  renounced  the  world. 

Art.  11.  Whether  i.t  is  becoming  for  a  member  of  the 
church  of  Christ  to  act  as  juror  in  the  courts  of  our  coun- 
try? Considered  that  it  would  be  best  not  to  serve  at  all 
even  in  civil,  but  by  no  means  in  criminal  cases. 

Art.  12.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother  or  member 
who  removes  into  another  church  without  bringing  a  cer- 


92  MINUTES    OF 

tificate  of  membership  along,  and  who  being  asked  for  it 
is  offended  by  the  request?  Considered,  that  as  it  has  been 
decided  often  heretofore,  it  is  requisite  for  members  that 
remove  from  one  church  into  another  to  bring  a  testimony 
or  certificate  along  of  their  standing  in  the  church  fr®m 
whence  they  came,  and  that  they  ought  not  to  be  offended 
at  being  asked  for  the  same.  Should  they  refuse  still  to 
procure  a  certificate,  the  church  to  which  they  came  would 
have  a  right  to  ascertain  their  standing  before  receiviug 
them  to  full  membership. 

Art.  13.  "Whether  a  brother  or  member  could  be  judged 
consistently  with  the  gospel  without  having  a  hearing  be- 
fore the  church,  with  privilege  to  defend  himself?  Consid- 
ered, that  no  brother  ought  to  be  brought  before  the  coun- 
cil of  the  church  for  any  accusation  without  having  previous 
information  thereof,  and  without  having  the  privilege  of 
being  present  at  the  hearing  of  the  witnesses,  and  also  of 
defending  himself  according  to  gospel. 

Art.  14.  Concerning  the  use  of  ardent  spirits,  it  was  con- 
sidered that  it  is  a  great  evil,  leading  to  vice  and  crime,  to 
destruction  of  peace  and  property,  and  to  the  ruin  of  body 
and  soul,  and  that  members  of  the  church  of  Christ  ought 
to  refrain  from  the  use  of  it,  except  as  medicine. 

Art.  15.  In  regard  to  the  next  yearly  meeting,  applica- 
tion-having been  made  heretofore  from  Swatara  Church,  in 
this  state,  and  this  year  from  Mohiccon  Church,  in  Ohio, 
and  from  Pipe  Creek  Church,  in  Maryland — no  application 
being  made  this  year  from  Swatara, — the  brethren  con- 
cluded to  meet,  God  willing,  in  annual  meeting  next  year, 
on  Pentecost,  1842,  with  our  brethren  at  Pipe  Creek,  iu 
Maryland,  in  accommodation  of  the  eastern  churches,  with 
the  intention  of  meeting  the  year  following,  if  the  applica- 
tion is  repeated,  with  our  brethren  in  Ohio. 

Signed  by  Daniel  Gerber,  David  Pfoutz,  Christian  Long, 
Daniel  Arnold,  George  Hoke,  Abraham  Yandt,  John  Hart, 
John  Price,  Daniel  Reichard,  Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         93 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1842. 

At  the  yearly  meeting  of  the  ancient  brethren,  commonly 
called  German  Baptists,  held  at  the  Beaver  Dam  meeting- 
house, in  Frederick  County,  Maryland,  13th  to  15th  of 
May,  A.  D.  1842,  the  following  queries  were  presented,  and 
considered  and  answered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord: 

Article  1.  Whether  the  sense  of  the  words  of  our  Sav- 
ior (Matt,  xviii.),  "Let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man 
and  a  publican,"  is  the  same  with  the  expression  of  Paul 
the  apostle,  when  he  says,  "  Have  no  company  with  him." 
I.  Cor.  v.  This  same  query  had  been  before  the  yearly 
meeting  in  Virginia  in  the  year  1837,  and  a  similar  one 
before  the  annual  meeting  in  Morrison's  Cove  in  the  year 
1840,  and  even  in  the  year  1794  (almost  fifty  years  ago)  the 
brethren  expressed  their  sense  on  the  subject,  which  was 
read,  and  the  brethren  now  assembled  generally  agreed  to 
the  then  expressed  views,  desiring  with  our  departed  breth- 
ren that  our  dearly  beloved  brethren  would  seek  to  hold 
fast  to  the  written  word  of  truth,  for  we  fear  with  them 
that  whosoever  will  depart  from  it  is  in  great  danger  to  be 
deceived  in  these  much  confused  times.  Now  he  that  at- 
tends strictly  to  the  word  will  see  plainly  that  in  Matt,  xviii. 
quite  another  case  is  mentioned  than  in  I.  Cor.  v.  There 
the  Savior  speaks  of  sins  and  offenses  which  a  brother  or 
sister  may  commit  against  a  fellow-member.  Here  the 
apostle  treats  of  vices  and  crimes  which  may  be  committed 
against  God  and  the  truth.  And  as  there  is  a  difference 
in  the  sins,  even  so  is  also  a  difference  in  the  discipline. 
Already,  under  the  law,  there  were  some  sins  unto  death, 
where  the  sinner  had  to  die  without  mercy  under  two  or 
three  witnesses.  Heb.  x.  28.  But  some  sins  were  not  unto 
death,  and  could  be  atoned  for  by  offerings  and  sacrifices. 
Even  so  there  is  a  difference  in  the  discipline  under  the 
gospel,  as  we  may  plainly  see  from  those  passages  before 
alluded  to,  viz.,  Matt.  vm.  and  I.  Cor.  v.,  if  we  examine 


94  MINUTES    OF 

them  more  closely.  Therefore  the  brethren  have  always 
considered,  and  we  yet  consider,  that  the  divine  sense  re- 
quires to  disown  a  member  who  will  not  be  told  unto  when 
it  has  been  overtaken  in  a  fault,  which  might  have  been 
atoned  for  by  an  acknowledgment,  for  his  refusing  to  ac- 
knowledge, only  so  far  as  from  the  church-council,  from 
the  breaking  of  bread,  and  from  the  kiss.  But  a  member 
that  has  fallen  into  gross  sins  and  vices  should  be  dealt 
with  according  to  the  word  of  God,  as  expressed  by  the 
Apostle  Paul,  viz.,  "Not  to  keep  company  with  such  a  one, 
no,  not  to  eat." 

Art.  2.  Whether  it  will  be  to  the  edification  of  the  church 
of  God  to  hold  protracted  meetings,  and  to  introduce 
mourning-benches,  in  imitation  to  the  new  measures  adopted 
by  different  sects  and  denominations  ?  The  brethren  gen- 
erally considered,  that  it  was  advisable  to  be  very  cautious, 
and  at  all  times  to  keep  good  order  in  accordance  with  the 
doctrine  and  example  of  the  apostles,  and  not  to  introduce 
such  innovations  like  mourning-benches,  etc. 

Art.  3.  Whether  our  love-feasts  could  not  be  held  more 
privately  and  oftener  ?  The  advice  was  to  select  such  times 
and  places  as  experience  may  teach  to  be  most  suitable  for 
this  purpose. 

Art.  4.  How  it  is  considered  if  a  brother  or  sister  signs 
the  pledge  of  total  abstinence  ?  Considered,  that  inasmuch 
as  our  churches  have  always  been  testifying  against  intem- 
perance, and  even  against  the  free  use,  the  making  and 
selling  of  ardent  spirits,  it  is  not  advisable  for  members  to 
put  their  hands  to  the  pledge,  or  to  meddle  with  the  pro- 
ceeding and  excitement  of  the  world  on  this  subject. 

Art.  5.  Whether  the  queries  to  be  submitted  to  the 
yearly  meeting  should  not  be  laid  first  before  the  individual 
church,  and  be  sent  with  their  consent  ?  Considered,  that 
queries  in  relation  to  a  particular  church  ought  to  be 
brought  in  with  the  counsel  of  that  church,  but  a  brother 
should  not  be  prevented  thereby  to  present  any  question 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE   BRETHREN.  95 

that  may  occur  unto  him  as  important  and  necessary  to  be 
considered. 

\rt.  6.  Whether  it  be  proper  for  a  brother  who  is  elected 
to  speak  the  word,  to  serve  at  arbitrations  or  on  juries,  etc.? 
Considered,  as  it  has  been  often  heretofore,  that  brethren 
would  do  best  at  all  times,  if  it  be  avoidable,  not  to  serve, 
except  there  is  reason  to  hope  that  peace  may  be  promoted 
thereby. 

Art.  7.  Whether  it  be  right  for  a  brother  to  deliver  a 
lecture  on  temperance,  if  requested?  Considered,  as  our 
commission  is  to  preach  the  gospel,  that  we  should  do  so, 
and  inculcate  temperance  as  well  as  other  virtues ;  but  to 
hold  lectures  on  the  subject  of  temperance  exclusively  was 
considered  not  to  be  advisable  for  a  brother. 

Art.  8.  Whether  a  person  who  was  married,  and  whose 
partner  broke  the  marriage  vow  by  fornication,  may  marry 
again  according  to  the  gospel,  after  obtaining  a  bill  of 
divorce?  Considered,  that  according  to  the  word  of  God, 
Matt,  v.  31,  32,  xix.  3-10,  Mark  x.  2-12,  Luke  xvi.  18,  and 
I.  Cor.  vn.  10,  11,  39,  a  person  can  not  marry  again  while 
the  first  companion  lives,  and  that  the  gospel  considers  not 
only  the  person  that  would  marry  again  after  being  divorced, 
but  also  the  person  who  would  marry  the  divorced  party, 
as  adulterers. 

Art.  9.  How  it  is  considered,  when  brethren  who  are 
not  ordained,  in  the  presence  of  ordained  brethren,  with- 
out being  requested,  take  the  lead  at  public  meetings,  and 
at  morning  and  evening  worship ;  seat  themselves  at  the 
head  of  the  table,  and  call  upon  ordained  brethren  to  be 
free?  Considered,  that  order  is  an  essential  rule  of  the 
house  of  God,  and  that  it  would  be  most  praiseworthy  if 
all  the  brethren  did  try  in  honor  to  prefer  one  another, 
and  each  one  to  be  faithful  in  his  station,  not  seeking  the 
uppermost  seats,  nor  forgetting  the  advice  of  the  apostle 
(I.  Pet.  v.  5),  "Ye  younger,  submit  yourselves  unto  the 
elder." 


96  MINUTES   OF 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  considered,  wnen  a  man  who  holds 
the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  is  received  by  baptism  as 
a  member  in  the  church,  and  is  permitted  to  continue  in 
his  office  until  the  time  should  expire  for  which  he  was 
elected;  and  how  it  is  considered  when  a  brother,  or  even 
a  deacon,  is  elected  to  the  same  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  enters  upon  the  duties  of  the  same?  Consid- 
ered, that  in  case  a  man  who  holds  such  an  office  is  con- 
vinced of  the  truth,  and  becomes  willing  to  obey, the  gos- 
pel, it  appears  to  us  there  would  be  no  great  difficulty  to 
convince  him  also  that  he  can  not  serve  two  masters,  nor 
be  at  the  same  time  a  follower  of  the  Lamb  and  a  servant 
of  the  world  ;  and  as  to  a  brother,  or  even  a  deacon,  in  the 
church  to  serve  in  such  an  office,  it  was  considered  quite 
inconsistent  with  the  gospel  we  profess,  and  that  it  ought 
not  to  be. 

Art.  11.  Whether  it  be  allowable  forbrethren  to  collect 
debts  by  force  of  law,  and  what  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother 
who  uses  the  power  of  the  law,  and  justifies  himself  in  the 
same?  Considered,  as  always  was  done  by  the  brethren, 
that  we  have  no  right  according  to  the  gospel  to  use  the  rigor 
of  the  law  in  collecting  debts,  and  that  a  brother  who  has 
done  so  falls  into  the  judgment  of  the  church. 

Art.  12.  Whether  a  church  has  the  right  to  make  reso- 
lutions, framed  by  men,  binding  on  its  members  ?  Consid- 
ered by  the  elders,  and  answered  thus  :  If  the  resolutions 
are  founded  upon  and  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  to 
which  we  are  all  bound,  they  are  binding  ;  but  if  they  are 
not  according  and  even  contrary  to  the  gospel,  we  can  not 
be  bound  to  observe  them,  and  no  church  can  make  them 
binding. 

Art.  13.  As  to  the  next  yearly  meeting,  invitations  had 
been  sent  from  Mohiccon,  Ohio  from  Couestoga  and  Cono- 
wago,  Pennsylvania,  and  from  Botetourt,  in  Virginia;  the 
Swatara  Church  having  withdrawn  their  request,  stating 
that  circumstances  did  not  permit  them   at  present  to  re- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         97 

peat  their  invitation.  It  was  finally  concluded  that  the 
brethren  will  meet  in  yearly  meeting  next  year  on  Thurs- 
day before  Pentecost,  1843,  God  willing,  at  Mohiccon 
church,  west  of  Wooster,  Ohio. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren — Daniel  Gerber,  Chris- 
tian Long,  John  Beeghly,  John  Price,  Dan.  Bollinger, 
David  Pfoutz,  Jacob  Pfoutz,  Christ.  Jansen,  David  Ecker, 
John  Sprogle,  George  Hoke,  Jacob  Long,  And.  Spanogle, 
John  Gerber,  James  Tracey,  Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1843. 

At  the  yearly  meeting  of  the  ancient  brethren,  common- 
ly called  "  German  Baptists,"  held  on  Friday  and  Saturday 
before  Pentecost  (June  2d  and  3d),  A.  D.  1843,  in  Mohiccon 
Church,  at  Bro.  John  Shoemaker's,  west  of  "Wooster,  "Wayne 
County,  Ohio,  the  following  queries  were  presented,*and 
publicly  discussed  and  answered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord: 

Article  1.  Is  it  agreeable  with  the  word  of  God  for  a 
deacon  (visiting  brother)  to  stand  up  in  public  meeting  and 
exhort,  when  sufficient  time  has  been  spent  already?  Con- 
sidered, that  according  to  the  word  of  God  "  all  things- 
should  be  done  decently  and  in  order;"  and  as  teaching  is 
the  proper  office  of  the  teachers,  and  not  of  the  deacons, 
they  ought  not  to  go  any  further  than  their  calling  requires 
of  them,  where  it  is  not  necessary,  and  it  would  not  be  ad- 
visable for  a  teacher  to  urge  them  (the  deacons)  any  further 
than  duty  calls  them. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  a  brother  may  refuse  the  kiss  to  a 
brother  who  hath  committed  a  fault — for  instance,  getting 
intoxicated — ere  he  has  been  brought  and  judged  before 
the  council  of  the  church?  Considered,  that  though  a 
member  could  not  be  required  to  salute  a  brother  with  the 

r 


98  MINUTES    OF 

kiss  while  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  it  is  still  our  duty, 
first  to  tell  the  fault  unto  the  church,  and  to  await  its  decis- 
ion, before  we  withdraw  ourselves  from  a  member. 

Art.  3.  Whether  a  teacher  has  a  right,  in  his  exhorta- 
tion to  prayer,  to  give  liberty  to  those  who  do  not  choose 
to  bow  down  with  us,  to  rise  up  in  prayer?  Considered, 
that  we  are  to  exhort  our  hearers  to  humility  in  prayer, 
and  as  it  is  generally  the  case,  to  bow  down  on  our  knees; 
but  where  there  is  no  room,  or  where  the  ground  does  not 
permit  kneeling,  the  brethren  could  see  no  wrong  in  per- 
mitting in  such  or  another  case  of  necessity  to  rise  up  on 
our  feet  in  prayer. 

Art.  4.  Whether  members  may  take  the  liberty  to  go  to 
prayer-meetings,  etc.,  of  other  persuasions,  to  take  part  in 
them,  and  to  permit  and  invite  ministers  of  other  persua- 
sions to  hold  meetings  in  their  (the  members)  own  houses  ? 
Considered,  that  as  we  have  come  into  very  perilous  times, 
according  to  the  word  of  our  Savior  (Matt,  xxrv,  22-26), 
and  of  his  apostles  (I.  Tim.  i\\,  and  II.  Peter  n.,  etc.,)  and 
we  therefore  have  the  greatest  reason  to  be  seriously  on  our 
guard;  that  prayer  is  an  important  part  of  worship,  which 
must  be  performed  in  spirit  and  in  truth  in  order  to  be 
pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God;  that  consequently  true  in- 
ward union  in  prayer  with  such  that  are  not  in  one  spirit 
and  in  the  same  truth  with  us  can  not  be  thought  of;  that 
under  these  considerations  it  would  be  the  safest  course  not 
to  go  to  such  places,  nor  to  take  part  in  such  exercises, 
much  less  to  invite  or  to  receive  teachers  of  whom  we  may 
know  beforehand  that  they  will  not  bring  the  whole  apos- 
tolic doctrine  in  order  to  hold  meetings  in  our  houses.  II. 
John  x. 

Art.  5.  When  a  brother  is  put  into  avoidance,  according 
to  the  words  of  Paul  (I.  Cor.  v.),  and  his  wife  and  children, 
being  members  in  the  church,  have  company  with  him,  as 
it  happens  in  a  family,  how  the  church  hath  to  treat  them, 
or  whether  there  is  a  difference  between  the  wife  and  the 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         99 

children,  who  are  yet  under  the  lawful  age;  and  how  we 
are  to  do  when  there  is  a  difference  of  opinion  about  the 
withdrawing  of  the  hand  from  those  that  are  in  avoidance? 
Considered,  though  we  are  always  truly  sorry  when  such  a 
case  occurs,  where  we  must  put  a  member  into  avoidance, 
and  feel  sincere  compassion  for  those  that  suffer  immediate- 
ly under  it,  yet  we  can  not  set  aside  this  apostolic  ordinance, 
and  do  really  believe  that  the  more  strictly  it  is  observed 
by  all  the  members,  and  especially  by  the  nearest  relations, 
the  more  powerful  it  would  operate  to  the  salvation  of  the 
fallen  member;  but  in  case  a  wife  could  not  withdraw  from 
fellowship  with  the  husband  to  be  avoided,  it  was  always 
considered  that  such  a  member  could  not  break  the  bread 
of  communion  while  so  doing,  and  we  do  conceive  that 
children  are  in  the  same  predicament,  either  to  withdraw 
fellowship  with  the  parent  in  avoidance  or  not  to  break 
bread ;  and  in  regard  to  withdrawing  the  hand,  it  was  con- 
sidered that  when  the  church  concludes  to  withdraw  even 
the  hand,  the  members  should  all  unite  in  observing  the 
same. 

Art.  6.  "Whether  the  ordination  of  a  brother  can  be  frus- 
trated, when  the  whole  church  is  united  on  the  subject, 
with  the  exception  of  one  or  a  few  members?  Considered, 
that  in  case  the  ordination  of  a  brother  is  judged  as  neces- 
sary and  proper  by  the  church  and  the  ordained  brethren 
from  a  distance,  and  there  could  be  no  weighty  objection 
made  by  those  that  are  of  another  opinion  in  this  matter, 
they  ought  to  acquiesce  in  it,  and  the  ordination  might  go 
on  according  to  the  desire  of  the  church. 

Art.  7.  "When  a  large  church,  by  common  consent,  has 
been  divided  into  several  districts,  and  in  one  of  these  dis- 
tricts it  is  found  necessary  to  hold  an  election  for  teachers 
and  deacons,  whether  the  members  of  such  district  alone 
are  entitled  to  vote,  or  whether  the  members  of  the  other 
districts  have  a  right  to  vote  also  ?  Considered,  that  when 
such  a  division  takes  place  by  common  consent,  for  the 


100  MINUTES    OF 

greater  convenience  of  members  and  of  meetings,  we  un- 
derstand it  that  henceforth  these  several  districts  are  to 
form  so  many  particular  churches,  though  they  maybe  un- 
der the  superintendence  of  but  one  bishop,  and  that  conse- 
quently when  one  of  these  districts,  or  one  of  these  partic- 
ular churches  stands  in  need  of  laborers,  and  has  to  hold 
an  election,  it  would  be  as  improper  for  the  members  of 
the  other  districts  to  vote  at  such  election  as  it  would  be 
for  members  from  other  churches  that  never  formed  a  part 
of  the  old  and  large  district.  In  case  there  were  no  express 
word  for  such  things,  we  think  we  may  safely  follow  the 
ApotlePaul,  when  he  says  (I.  Cor.  xi.  14),  "Doth  not  na- 
ture itself  teach  you"  what  is  proper? 

Art.  8.  How  it  might  be  considered  when,  at  an  election 
for  teachers  and  deacons,  absent  members  do  send  their 
votes  with  other  members?  Considered,  that  since  the 
promise  of  our  Savior  is  given,  ""Where  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  midst  of 
them  (Matt.  xvin.  20),  in  such  important  church  affairs  this 
promise  belongs  only  to  those  that  are  assembled,  and  not 
to  those  that  are  absent;  the  brethren  generally  have  acted 
upon  that  ground,  and  not  taken  any  vote  from  absent 
members. 

Art.  9.  How  it  is  considered,  when  in  an  important  case 
a  visit  in  the  church  is  performed,  and  the  case  laid  before 
the  members,  and  some  of  them  would  give  their  opinion 
or  judgment  to  the  visiting  brethren,  but  did  not  come 
themselves  to  the  council-meeting,  whether  in  that  case  the 
report  of  the  visiting  brethren  may  be  considered  as  if  the 
members  themselves  were  present?  Considered,  in  case  of 
a  judgment  on  a  matter  that  has  not  yet  been  investigated 
by  the  church,  in  the  same  light  as  the  question  before. 
But  in  case  of  a  testimony,  where  the  member  could  not 
come  personally,  we  would  have  to  receive  it  through  the 
visiting  brethren  as  if  the  member  himself  were  present. 

Art.  10.  Whether  a  complaint  against  a  member  maybe 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  101 

taken  up  in  the  church,  that  is  of  several  years'  standing? 
Considered,  that  this  depends  in  a  great  measure  upon  cir- 
cumstances. In  complaints  of  a  private  nature,  between 
brother  and  brother,  the  course  which  our  Savior  prescribes 
(Matt,  xvin.)  ought  to  be  pursued ;  and  when  we  have  taken 
the  two  first  steps  toward  a  reconciliation,  without  being 
satisfied,  then  "tell  it  unto  the  church,"  is  the  Savior's  com- 
mand ;  and  when  the  yearly  visit  has  gone  round,  and  the 
bread  of  communion  hath  been  broken,  aud  we  neglected 
to  obey  this  command,  the  church  is  not  bound  afterward 
to  take  up  our  complaint.  But  in  case  a  fault  had  been 
committed  by  a  member,  and  was  not  known  to  the  com- 
plaining member  until  after  a  length  of  time,  it  is  still  his 
duty  to  tell  it  unto  the  church,  and  the  complaint  is  to  be 
taken  up  by  the  church. 

Art.  11.  WJiether  a  teacher,  that  is  not  ordained,  can  ex- 
communicate a  deacon  or  visiting  brother  on  but  one  broth- 
er's testimony,  and  with  only  twelve  members  in  council? 
The  view  of  the  brethren  assembled  is,  that  in  considera- 
tion of  the  words  of  the  apostle  (I.  Tim.  v.  19) :  "Against 
an  elder  (which  word  is  taken  in  the  Xew  Testament  some- 
times in  a  more  limited,  and  at  other  times  in  a  more  gen- 
eral sense,  and  may  include  all  those  to  whom  is  intrusted 
an  office  in  the  church,)  receive  not  an  accusation,  but  be- 
fore two  or  three  witnesses."  In  consideration  again,  that 
as  a  brother  that  is  not  ordained,  ought  not  to  hold  an  elec- 
tion and  install  teachers  or  deacons,  so  none  ought  to  be 
excommunicated  without  ordained  brethren  being  present; 
and  in  consideration  lastly,  that  in  such  a  case  all  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  or  as  many  as  possible,  ought  to  be 
present,  we  could  not  approve  of  such  a  proceeding. 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  considered  when  one  teacher  com- 
monly consumes  as  much  time  as  two,  three,  and  four  hours, 
in  one  meeting,  speaking  continually?  The  unanimous 
opinion  of  the  brethren  was,  that  inasmuch  as  God  is  a  God 
of  order,  and  such  long-continued  discourses  must  needs 


102  MINUTES    OF 

be  fatiguing,  both  to  the  teacher  and  the  hearers,  cause  dis- 
order, and  deprive  other  teachers  of  the  opportunity  to 
speak,  to  the  edification  of  the  church,  this  conduct  is  out 
of  all  order,  and  ought  not  to  be,  and  it  would  always  be 
best  not  to  prolong  our  meetings  beyond  the  usual  time. 

Art.  13.  As  to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting,  there  was  but 
one  invitation,  viz.,  from  our  brethren  on  Big  Conowago, 
Pennsylvania  (the  brethren  from  Bodetourt,  in  Virginia, 
making  application  for  the  year  1845),  and  it  was  finally 
concluded  that  the  brethren  will  meet  in  Yearly  Meeting, 
next  year,  on  Thursday  before  Pentecost,  1844,  God  willing, 
with  the  church  on  Big  Conowago,  York  County,  Penn- 
sylvania. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren :  George  Hoke,  John 
Brower,  John  Hart,  George  Shively,  Henry  Metzger,  Joseph 
Showalter,  Isaac  Beery,  John  Cable,  Daniel  Miller,  John 
Shoemaker,  James  Tracey,  Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1844. 

At  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the  brethren,  sometimes  called 
German  Baptists,  held  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Peter  Deardorff, 
on  Big  Conowago,  in  York  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Fri- 
day and  Saturday  before  Pentecost,  May  24th  and  25th,  A. 
D.  1844,  three  brethren  from  Ohio,  four  from  Pennsylvania, 
three  from  Virginia,  and  two  from  Maryland,  were  chosen 
as  a  committee,  and  the  following  points  and  queries  were 
laid  before,  and  considered  by  them,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
in  public  council-meeting: 

Article  1.  About  the  laying  on  of  hands  on  deacons. 
This  query  had  been  before  the  Annual  Meetings  of  1838 
and  1839,  and  the  brethren  generally  considered,  that  since 
there  is  no  direct  command  to  do  so  in  the  New  Testament, 
and  on  the  contrary  the  apostle  gives  advice  (I.  Tim.  v.  12), 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         103 

"Lay  hands  suddenly  on  no  man,"  it  would  be  best  to  pro- 
ceed in  this  matter  as  the  brethren  of  old  have  done.  This 
is,  however,  laid  down  with  this  proviso,  that  if  any  brother 
could  throw  more  light  on  the  subject,  it  might  be  presented 
again  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  2.  Whether  there  must  be  something  of  the  supper 
on  the  table  when  feet-washing  is  observed?  This  query 
has  been  likewise  presented  several  times  before  this,  and 
the  brethren  do  still  consider  that  they  could  not  see  a  bet- 
ter way  "  to  have  all  things  done  decently  and  in  order," 
than  the  one  hitherto  followed.     I.  Cor.  xrv.'40. 

Art.  3.  Whether  a  brother  may  go  to  the  legislative 
assembly,  as  a  representative  of  the  people,  agreeably  with 
the  gospel?  Considered,  that  though  we  look  upon  the 
higher  powers  of  this  world  as  being  of  God,  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  pious,  etc.,  and  desire  to  be  thankful  to  God 
for  the  benefits  we  enjoy  under  our  government,  and  feel  it 
our  duty  to  pray  fervently  and  daily  for  the  same,  we  can 
not  see  how  a  follower  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Savior  can 
seek  and  accept  an  office  of  this  kind  consistently  with  the 
gospel  he  professeth.  (See  Matt.  xx.  25-28 ;  Mark  x.  42-46 ; 
Luke  xxn.  25;  John  xvn.  16,  etc.) 

Art.  4.  In  regard  to  the  difference  in  the  form  of  words, 
which  the  brethren  use  in  baptism,  it  was,  after  a  free  dis- 
cussion, considered,  since  in  the  practice  of  a  threefold  im- 
mersion of  the  kneeling  candidate,  and  in  the  use  of  the 
words  of  our  Savior  (Matt.  xxvm.  19),  "In  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,"  we  are  all 
perfectly  agreed,  to  lay  the  matter  down  as  heretofore,  and 
to  bear  with  one  another  in  love,  yet  so  that  the  teachers  in 
one  and  the  same  church,  or  district,  ought  to  use  the  same 
form.     (See  I.  Cor.  i.  10). 

Art.  5.  About  singing  in  dirierent  voices,  at  public  meet- 
ings, it  was  considered  that  the  singing  of  psalms,  hymns, 
and  spiritual  songs,  is  a  part  of  divine  worship,  which  we 
ought  to  perform  always  in  the  spirit,  and  in  truth,  and 


104  MINUTES    OF 

with  solemnitv:  to  be  watchful,  that  nothing  in  our  sing- 
ing  should  detract  our  mind's  from  the  serious  contempla- 
tion of  what  we  sing;  that  we  ought  to  avoid  such  light 
tunes  which  may  make  us  merry  rather  than  serious ;  and 
that  our  singing  should  always  tend  more  to  the  glory  of 
God,  than  to  the  tickling  of  the  outward  ear.  I.  Cor.  xiv. 
15;  Ephes.  v.  19;  Col.  in.  16. 

Art.  6.  Whether  it  be  allowable  for  brethren  to  collect 
debts  by  force  of  law,  it  was  again  considered  that  no 
brother  has  any  right,  in  the  gospel,  to  sue  at  law.  Luke 
in.  14;  Matt.  v.  38,  etc.,  vi.  12,  etc. 

Art.  7.  How  is  considered  the  difference  in  doctrine,  that 
some  teach  faith  before  repentance,  and  others  repentance 
before  faith  ?  This  query  had  been  before  a  council  meet- 
ing, some  years  ago,  and  was  answered  thus :  "  Considered, 
that  the  difference  arises  when  the  word  is  not  rightly 
divided.  The  apostle  teacheth  us  that  the  righteousness  of 
God  is  revealed  in  the  gospel  from  faith  to  faith.  Rom.  i. 
17.  And  again,  that  he  who  cometh  to  God  must  believe 
that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder  of  them  that  diligent- 
ly seek  him.  Heb.  xi.  6.  Out  of  this  faith,  when  it  is 
quickened,  repentance  will  come;  and  when  the  repentant 
sinner  hears  and  receives  the  blessed  gospel,  an  evangelical 
and  saving  faith  will  issue  therefrom,  which  worketh  by 
love,  and  maketh  itself  known  by  keeping  the  command- 
ments."    To  which  the  present  brethren  fully  assented. 

Art.  8.  In  case  where  man  and  wife  are  both  members, 
and  it  so  happens  that  the  church  would  have  occasion  to 
hold  one  or  the  other  in  avoidance,  and  after  being  held 
thus,  say  two  or  more  years,  without  manifesting  any  fruits 
of  sincere  repentance,  which  would  be  the  most  prudent 
course  to  take  in  behalf  of  the  companion  of  such  thus  held 
in  avoidance?  Considered,  that  though  we  sincerely  pity 
the  innocent  party,  if  there  has  no  change  taken  place  in 
the  state  of  the  fallen  member,  there  can  be  no  chauge  in 
the  course  of  the  church  toward  such  a  member.     But  of 


A-SNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  105 

this,  each  church  must  judge  according  to  existing  circum- 
stances.    (See  II.  Cor.  n.  5). 

Art.  9.  What  to  do  in  case  a  member,  on  a  sick  or  death- 
bed, requests  to  have  the  bread  of  communion  broken  unto? 
Considered,  that  the  word  of  God  does  not  seem  to  us  to 
justify  the  breaking  of  the  bread  of  communion  to  an  indi- 
vidual member  (for  where  there  is  but  one,  there  can  be  no 
communion),  and  that  therefore  we  would  be  more  safe  to 
direct  such  a  member  to  the  grace  and  mercy  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus,  and  to  the  advice  of  the  apostle  (James  v.  14), 
where  he  says:  "Is  any  sick  among  you,  let  him  call  for 
the  elders  of  the  church,  and  let  them  pray  over  him, 
anointing  him  with  oil,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,"  etc.  If 
they  still  insist  upon  partaking  of  the  bread  and  wine,  in 
remembrance  of  their  dying  Savior,  they  might  be  gratified, 
as  it  has  been  done  heretofore,  if  there  should  be  a  love- 
feast  in  the  neighborhood,  by  sending  to  them  of  the  blessed 
bread  and  wine,  or  by  holding  a  small  love-feast  at  the  right 
time  and  in  the  proper  order  at  their  houses. 

Art.  10.  How  a  brother  is  to  proceed  when  application 
is  made  for  baptism,  in  a  place  where  there  are  no  brethren 
to  counsel  with  ?  Considered,  that  if  a  brother  is  author- 
ized to  baptize,  and  has  taught  them  according  to  the  gos- 
pel, and  feels  himself  satisfied,  he  may  proceed;  but  a 
brother  who  is  not  authorized  to  baptize,  ought  to  inform 
other  brethren,  who  have  the  authority  to  administer  bap- 
tism. The  Savior  always  sent  his  disciples  by  two  and  two. 
Mark  vi.  7;  Luke  x.  1,  etc. 

Art.  11.  Whether  our  brethren  have  the  liberty,  in  cases 
of  funerals,  to  let  preachers  of  other  denominations  preach 
in  their  houses  ?  Considering  circumstances,  such  as  a 
burying-grouud  being  on  the  farm  of  a  brother,  the  weather 
being  inclement,  etc.,  such  liberty  could  not  be  denied  to 
brethren. 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  member  makes  an 
open  transgression,  and  refuses  to  come  to  the  church  to 


106  MINUTES    OF 

acknowledge  it,  though  he  declares  his  willingness  to  make 
acknowledgments  before  some  brethren?  It  was  consid- 
ered that  such  private  confession  could  not  be  counted  suf- 
ficient, since  the  word  says  (I.  Tim.  v.  20) :  "  Them  that  sin 
rebuke  before  all,  that  others  also  may  fear." 

.Regarding  the  next  Yearly  Meeting,  invitations  were  sent 
from  Bodetourt  and  Roanoke,  in  Virginia,  from  Conestoga, 
in  Lancaster  County,  and  from  Andidum  Church, in  Frank- 
lin County,  Pennsylvania;  and  the  brethren  concluded  that 
it  should  take  place,  God  willing,  on  Friday  before  Pente- 
cost, 1345,  in  Bodetourt  or  Roanoke,  in  Virginia. 

Signed  by  the  committee — David  Pfoutz,  Christian  Long, 
John  Price,  And.  Spanogle,  of  Pennsylvania;  Geo.  Hoke, 
Geo.  Shively,  Henry  Kurtz,  of  Ohio;  John  Bowman,  Benj. 
Bowman,  Daniel  Miller,  of  Virginia;  John  Gerber,  Jacob 
Long,  of  Maryland;  and  the  following  other  brethren: 
Peter  Nead,  John  Mineely,  Peter  Long,  John  H.  Umstad, 
Jacob  Pfoutz,  Jacob  Brubacher. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1845. 

At  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  the  brethren,  held  at  the  house 
of  Bro.  Daniel  Barnhart,  in  Roanoke  County,  Virginia,  on 
Friday  and  Saturday  before  Pentecost,  May  9th  and  10th,  A. 
D.  1845,  all  the  ordained  brethren  present  were  appointed 
as  a  committee  to  receive  the  messages  from  the  different 
churches,  and  to  bring  in  the  points  and  queries  which 
were  to  be  laid  before  the  Yearly  Meeting,  for  discussion,  in 
the  fear  of  God.     They  were  as  follows  : 

Article  1.  In  regard  to  the  difference  in  the  form  of 
words  which  the  brethren  use  in  baptism,  it  was  considered 
by  the  committee,  to  let  this  matter  rest  as  it  was  laid 
down  last  year  (see  Art.  4),  more  especially  since  the  breth- 
ren and  churches  are  not  so  generally  represented  as  it 
it  would  be  desirable  in  such  an  important  matter. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        107 

Art.  2.  In  regard  to  receiving  colored  members  into  the 
church,  it  was  considered,  to  leave  it  to  the  counsel  of  every 
individual  church,  as  it  is  done  in  all  cases;  but  if  colored 
persons  are  once  received  as  members  into  the  church,  the 
members  should  be  at  liberty  to  salute  them  in  like  man- 
ner as  white  members,  at  the  same  time  having  patience 
with  those  who  may  be  weak  in  the  faith,  and  can  not  do 
so.  The  assembled  elders,  however,  consider  it  as  the  more 
perfect  way,  to  which  we  all  should  strive  to  come,  viz., 
that  love,  which  makes  no  distinction  in  the  brotherhood, 
in  this  respect.     (See  James  n.  1-10.) 

Art.  3.  In  regard  to  hiring  slaves,  it  was  considered  but 
little  better  than  purchasing  and  holding  slaves,  and  that  it 
would  be  best  for  a  follower  of  Jesus  Christ  to  have  noth- 
ing at  all  to  do  with  slavery. 

Art.  4.  In  regard  to  usury  and  increase,  it  was  consid- 
ered, that  as  it  was  against  the  law  of  Moses,  and  could 
not  be  otherwise  than  against  the  gospel  of  Christ,  which 
commands  us  "to  lend  where  we  hope  for  nothing  again," 
we  should  be  very  careful  not  to  ask  or  take  more  than 
lawful  interest,  and  keep  an  open  hand  for  the  poor,  to 
lend  them  even  without  interest. 

Art.  5.  In  regard  to  our  being  altogether  defenseless, 
not  to  withstand  the  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with  good,  the 
brethren  considered,  that  the  nearer  we  follow  the  bright 
example  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  willingly  suffered  the 
cross,  and  prayed  for  his  enemies  ;  who,  though  heir  of  all 
things,  had  on  earth  not  where  to  lay  his  head — the  more 
we  shall  fulfill  our  high  calling  and  obtain  grace  to  deny 
ourselves  for  Christ's  and  his  gospel's  sake,  even  to  the 
loss  of  our  property,  our  liberty,  and  our  lives. 

Art.  6.  In  regard  to  members  conforming  too  much 
with  the  world  in  fashionable  dressing,  building  and  orna- 
menting houses  in  the  style  of  those  high  in  the  world,  it 
was  considered  that  it  is  a  dangerous  and  alarming  evil/ 


108  MINUTES   OF 

and  ought  not  to  be  among  the  humble  followers  of  the 
lowly  Jesus. 

Art.  7.  How  it  is  considered,  if  brethren  will  force 
themselves  into  the  ministry,  without  consent  from  the 
elders,  and  some  of  the  members  encourage  them  in  it  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  inasmuch  as  it  appears  by  the  words  of  James, 
chapter  in.  1,  by  the  words  of  our  Savior  (John  x.  1),  and 
of  Paul  (Heb.  v.  4-7),  there  is  a  right  way  and  also  a  wrong 
way  to  enter  into  the  ministry — the  wrong  way  being' 
when  one  is  taking  this  honor  unto  himself,  and  the  right 
way,  when  one  is  called  of  God,  by  the  church,  which  is 
the  body  of  Christ,  and  the  order  of  which  calling  to  the 
ministry  is  found  described  in  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 
Brethren  ought  to  be  very  cautious  when  they  feel  a  desire 
to  preach  the  gospel,  that  they  do  not  take  the  wrong  way ; 
rather  humble  than  elevate  themselves,  and  be  fully  assured 
that  if  the  Lord  wants  their  services,  he  has  all  power  in 
heaven  and  on  earth  to  bring  about  their  calling  to  it  in 
the  right  order  and  in  due  time;  but  if  such  brethren 
would  still  go  out  of  the  way,  appoint  and  hold  meetings, 
against  the  counsel  of  the  church,  the  church  would  have 
to  hold  them  as  disobedient  members,  according  to  Matt, 
xvn.,  and  members  generally  ought  to  be  very  careful  not 
to  encourage  and  support  such  brethren  in  their  disorderly 
proceedings. 

Art.  8.  How  it  is  considered,  if  brethren  will  rebel 
against  the  counsel  held  at  council-meetings,  and  say,  it  is 
an  abomination  to  God?  Considered,  that  such  a  brother 
should  be  visited  and  exhorted,  and  if  he  would  not  hear 
and  obey  the  admonition,  he  could  not  be  held  as  a  brother. 

Art.  9.  How  it  is  considered,  if  brethren  are  accused  by 
the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses,  of  honest  moral  char- 
acter, but  not  being  members,  and  their  testimony  against 
those  members  agrees,  that  they  were  guilty  of  drunken- 
•ness,  or  any  other  crime,  aud  the  church  has  cause  to  be- 
lieve such  testimony,  from  other  circumstances,  but  the 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  10!) 

brethren  so  accused,  deny  the  charge  ?  Considered,  as  in 
the  year  1841,  Art.  6,  that  such  members  might  be  advised 
not  to  approach  the  Lord's  table  until  the  matter  is  cleared 
up  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  church ;  but  to  judge  a  brother 
on  testimony  from  without  alone,  and  without  his  own 
confession,  would  not  be  just,  according  to  the  gospel. 

Art.  10.  How  it  is  considered,  when  a  brother  is  carrying 
on  a  distillery?  Considered  in  the  same  light  as  our  an- 
cient brethren  did  sixty-two  years  ago,  in  an  annual  coun- 
cil-meeting held  on  Pipe  Creek,  in  Maryland,  June  7, 1783, 
where  they  said  :  "  Of  this  old  and  offensive  evil  which  has 
been  breaking  into  the  church,  and  by  which  already  much 
harm  has  been  done,  the  counsel  of  the  brethren  having 
often  been  given  that  distilleries  ought  to  be  done  away  by 
members  in  the  church,  that  they  concluded  at  this  time 
unanimously  to  exhort  those  brethren  that  have  distilleries, 
that  they  should  put  them  away ;  and  when  they  have 
been  exhorted  once  and  again  in  sincere  love,  and  they 
would  still  not  obey  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and  put 
away  this  disgustful  image,  the  brethren  could  not  break 
the  bread  of  communion  with  them,  and  should  also  with- 
draw from  them  the  kiss  and  church  counsel,  and  that  so 
long  until  they  become  willing  again  to  be  told,  as  they 
have  promised  in  the  beginning,  at  their  baptism  before 
God  and  many  witnesses." 

Art.  11.  The  question  about  the  laying  on  of  hands  on 
deacons  having  been  brought  again  before  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  and  being  of  such  consequence  and  importance, 
it  was  considered,  that  since  our  churches  are  not  generally 
represented — not  one  brother  from  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land, and  also  not  many  of  our  elder  brethren,  whose 
counsel  had  been  given  last  year  on  this  article,  being  pres- 
ent at  this  time — it  would  be  best  to  refer  this  question  to 
the  next  Annual  Meeting,  recommending  the  same  to  the 
consideration  of  all  the  churches.  i 

Art.  12.  About  practicing  feet-washing  more  according 


110  MINUTES    OF 

to  the  example  of  Christ,  it  was  considered,  as  in  1841, 
that  our  practice  hitherto  was  according  to  the  Word,  and 
that  we  could  not  improve  it. 

Art.  13.  About  the  order  of  Annual  Meetings,  it  was 
concluded  to  refer  the  consideration  of  this  query  to  the 
next  Yearly  Meeting,  for  the  same  reasons  as  in  Art.  11, 
and  with  the  same  recommendation  to  the  consideration  of 
alL  the  churches. 

Art.  14.  Whether  a  brother  has  a  right  to  withdraw  the 
kiss  from  a  brother  without  the  decision  of  the  church  ? 
Considered,  that  inasmuch  as  our  Savior  directs  us  in  a 
case  ot  offense  to  use  all  means  to  gain  our  brother  (see 
Matt,  xviii.),  the  gospel  allows  no  brother  to  withdraw  the 
kiss  until  the  church  has  so  decided. 

Art.  15.  How  is  it  viewed,  when  there  are  persons  and 
members  in  a  meeting,  some  not  understanding  the  En- 
glish, and  others  not  the  German  (language),  and  there  are 
some  members  still  opposing  the  use  of  both  languages  ? 
Considered,  that  the  commission  of  our  Savior  (Matt. 
xviii.  19)  commands  us,  and  the  love  of  Christ  constrains 
us  (II.  Cor.  v.  14),  to  preach  the  gospel  to  all  nations,  and 
in  every  tongue,  as  far  as  we  are  able.  (See  also  Yearly 
Meeting  1841,  Art.  4.) 

[At  the  special  Yearly  Meeting  in  Indiana,  1845,  ques- 
tion 6  was,  "Whether  in  a  council-meeting  of  the  church 
the  gospel  will  allow  such  as  are  not  members  to  be  ad- 
mitted?" and  the  answer  was  :  Considered,  that  inasmuch 
as  our  Savior  directs  us  (Matt,  xviii.)  the  course  we  are  to 
take  with  an  offending  brother,  to  tell  it  in  the  last  step 
unto  the  church,  it  seemed  to  be  obvious  by  (or  in)  the  gos- 
pel, that  those  who  do  not  belong  to  the  church  ought  not 
to  be  in  council.] 

Art.  16.  As  to  the  place  and  time  of  our  next  Yearly 
Meeting,  besides  the  former  invitations  from  our  brethren 
on  Conestoga,  Lancaster  County,  and  on  Andidum,  Frank- 
lin County,  Pennsylvania,  there  were  also  invitations  from 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        Ill 

East  Tennessee  and  from  Indiana,  and  it  was  concluded 
that  a  general  council-meeting  should  be  held,  God  willing, 
this  fall,  in  Elkhart  County,  Indiana,  on  the  26th.  and  27th 
of  September,  1845,  and  the  next  Annual  Meeting  should 
take  place,  if  it  please  the  Lord,  in  the  Conestoga  church, 
Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Friday  and  Saturday 
before  Pentecost,  in  the  next  coming  year  of  the  Lord,  1846. 
Signed  by  George  Shively,  Abraham  Crumpacker,  Pe- 
ter Frantz,  John  Bowman,  Benjamin  Bowman,  Daniel 
Barnhart,  Peter  Miller,  Peter  Nead,  Christian  Bowman, 
Samuel  Garber,  Austin  Hylton,  John  Gerber,  John  Kline, 
Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1846. 

On  the  29th  of  May,  A.  D.  1846,  the  brethren  convened 
in  Annual  Meeting  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Jobn  Eoyer,  on 
Trout  Creek,  -in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
meeting  being  opened  with  singing,  exhortation,  and 
prayer,  it  was  concluded  that  all  the  ordained  elders  pres- 
ent should  retire,  as  a  committee  to  receive  all  those  mat- 
ters which  were  to  be  laid  before  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
these  were  as  follows : 

Abticle  1.  As  regards  the  way  and  manner  of  holding 
Annual  Meetings,  so  as  to  enjoy  more  order,  convenience, 
and  satisfaction,  it  was  considered,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
that  the  counsel  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  the  year  1837, 
in  this  respect,  was  proper  and  expedient,  if  observed,  and 
that  the  best  plan  will  not  mend  the  matter  if  it  is  not  car- 
ried out.  Different  plans  were  proposed,  and,  after  a  long 
discussion  and  mature  reflection,  it  was  resolved  to  make 
no  material  change  but  this :  That  our  western  brethren 
shall  have  the  privilege  of  taking  the  Yearly  Meeting  every 
other  year,  if  they  request  it,  and  that  our  eastern  brethren 


112  MINUTES    OF 

should  not  fail  to  attend  the  same ;  that  it  should  be  ex- 
plicitly understood  and  given  out,  that  Friday  and  Satur- 
day there  will  only  be  private  council-meeting — all  the 
ordained  elders  to  form  the  committee  to  take  in  and  bring 
before  the  meeting  those  matters  to  be  considered.  The 
public  meeting  should  be  on  Sunday,  and,  if  possible,  not 
in  the  same  place  where  the  council-meeting  is  held. 

Art.  2.  Whether  any  individual  member  has  a  right  to 
bring  queries  before  the  Yearly  Meeting  ere  they  have 
passed  the  council  of  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  it  is 
proper  to  bring  all  queries  with  the  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  3.  About  the  laying  on  of  hands  on  deacons.  On 
this  much  and  long-agitated  question,  it  was  finally  laid 
down  as  the  safest  way  to  continue  as  heretofore.  The 
objection — that  it  was  an  apostolical  order,  which  ought  to 
be  observed — was  answered,  that  (supposing  the  apostles 
had  laid  their  hands  on  the  heads  of  the  deacons,  which  in 
our  apprehension  can  not  be  made  evident),  as  little  as  a 
single  walk  of  a  few  men  through  a  wilderness  will  make 
a  road  or  beaten  track,  just  as  little  a  thing  once  done 
makes  it  an  order,  and  that  if  the  example  of  the  chosen 
seven  (Acts  vn.)  having  had  hands  laid  on  them,  would 
have  to  be  observed,  as  somejof  our  beloved  brethren  un- 
derstand it,  then  we  would  also  have  to  imitate  the  example 
of  the  same  church,  which  had  all  things  commou,  and 
sold  their  possessions  and  goods,  and  parted  them  to  all 
men,  as  every  man  had  need.  Acts  II.  44,  45.  But  since 
we  do  not  hud  in  any  other  church  established  by  the 
apostles  any  thing  similar,  and  since  there  is  also  no  testi- 
mony that  the  apostles  ever  after  practiced  the  laying 
on  of  hands  on  the  heads  of  the  deacons,  our  beloved 
brethren  will  not  think  hard  of  us,  if  under  these  and 
other  considerations,  we  abide  by  that  practice  with  which 
so  man}7  faithful  brethren  in  our  churches  have  been  intro- 
duced to  the  office  of  deacons  and  speakers  of  the  Word. 

Art.  4.  Is  there,  in  the  churches  of  the  brethren,  any 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN:        113 

material  difference  among  the  bishops,  so  that  one  has 
more  power  than  another?  Considered,  that  according  to 
the  word  ot  our  Savior  (Matt.  xxm.  8),  "  One  is  your  mas- 
ter, even  Christ :  and  all  ye  are  brethren,"  there  is  no  dif- 
ference in  the  brotherhood  or  among  bishops  but  that  which 
a  higher  age  and  more  wisdom  and  experience  may  give. 
See  I.  Pet.  v.  5  :  "  Ye  younger,  submit  yourselves  unto  the 
elder." 

Art.  5.  If  a  member  sinneth  or  is  disobedient,  so  that 
he  is  separated  from  the  church,  whether  he  should  be 
publicly  excommunicated,  as  well  as  he  has  been  publicly 
received  into  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  as  we  do  not 
receive  members  into  the  church  without  the  private  coun- 
sel of  the  church,  so  it  would  be  inconsistent  with  the  gos- 
pel to  exclude  them  in  any  other  way  than  by  the  private 
counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  6.  Whether  one  that  is  called  a  brother,  and  has 
committed  any  gross  crime,  such  as  drunkenness,  blas- 
phemy, fornication,  etc.,  can  continue  to  be  a  member  in 
the  body  of  Christ,  if  he  confesses  his  fault  and  promises 
to  do  better;  whether  the  church  may  forgive  him,  or 
whether  he  ought  not  to  be  expelled,  until  he  shows  forth 
fruits  meet  for  repentance  ?  Considered,  that  though  we 
can  conceive  of  extraordinary  cases  of  such  total  contrition 
of  heart,  similar  to  that  kind  of  leprosy  (see  Levit.  xin. 
12-17)  which  broke  out  abroad  in  the  skin,  and  the  leprosy 
cover  all  the  skin  of  him  that  hath  the  plague,  from  his 
head  even  to  his  foot,  and  where  the  priest  was  to  consider 
him  clean ;  and  so  the  church,  likewise,  may  unanimously 
feel  satisfied  with  such  signs  of  genuine  repentance,  and 
may  be  willing  to  forgive  at  once  on  his  full  confession, 
yet  in  most  cases  it  is  the  safest  way,  in  the  first  place  to 
obey  the  instruction  of  the  Apostle  Paul  (I.  Cor.  v.),  and  to 
excommunicate  such  a  member  with  the  power  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  that  the  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord  Jesus. 


114  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  7.  Whether  a  brother  may  work  in  distilleries  for 
wages,  and  whether  a  brother  who  owns  a  mill  may  buy, 
sell,  and  chop  grain  for  distilleries?  Considered,  that  as 
the  use  of  ardent  spirits  is  always  dangerous  to  the  well- 
being  of  society,  and  the  brethren  frequently  have  testified 
against  the  making  and  using  of  the  same,  it  would  be  best 
for  brethren  not  to  have  any  thiug  to  do  with  it  in  any 
shape  or  form. 

Art.  8.  About  brethren  making  a  will,  and  treating 
their  children  very  unequally  without  a  cause.  Considered, 
that  though  we  would  not  by  any  means  infringe  upon  the 
right  of  a  parent  to  make  a  free  disposition  of  his  worldly 
goods  in  his  last  will,  it  would  be  advisable  for  a  Christian 
father  not  to  make  a  great  difference  among  his  children 
without  a  good  cause,  and  that  it  would  be  best  to  treat 
children  as  much  alike  as  possible,  so  that  love  and  peace 
may  be  preserved  among  them. 

Art.  9.  Is  a  brother  that  was  a  speaker  or  deacon,  and 
has  moved  into  another  church,  properly  reinstalled  in  his 
office,  if  an  ordained  brother  takes  the  counsel  of  the  church, 
and  announces  the  same  to  him,  without  he  being  received 
by  the  members  with  hand  and  kiss?  Considered  unani- 
mously, by  the  elders,  that  inasmuch  as  he  was  properly 
received  into  his  office,  by  the  church  in  which  he  was 
chosen,  he  would  be  sufficiently  established. 

Art.  10.  About  pride,  in  its  various  forms,  which  is 
creeping  into  the  church,  it  is  thought  highly  necessary 
that  the  Yearly  Meeting  instruct  and  urge  it  upon  all  the 
overseers  of  the  churches  to  see  especially  to  that  matter, 
and  protest  strongly  against  all  manner  ot  superfluity  and 
vanity,  such  as  building  line  houses,  and  having  paintings, 
carpetings,  and  costly  furniture,  etc.,  together  with  the 
adorning  of  the  body  too  much  after  the  fashion  of  the 
world.  We  believe  that  we  should  deny  ourselves,  and  ab- 
stain from  these  things,  especially  the  laborers  in  the  Word, 
who  are  called  to  be  ensamples  of  the  flock. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN         115 

Art.  11.  How  it  is  considered  by  this  Yearly  Meeting 
if  brethren,  who  do  not  wear  their  beard,  are  to  be  ad- 
vanced to  administer  baptism  and  the  breaking  of  bread, 
or  even  are  to  be  ordained  ?  Considered,  that  we  are  much 
grieved ;  also,  in  this  respect  a  deviation  and  want  of  self- 
denial  is  becoming  apparent  here  and  there,  and  that  it 
would  be  well  and  laudable  if  we  would  not  only  keep  in 
remembrance,  but  also  put  in  practice,  the  example  and 
advice  of  our  beloved  old  brethren.  In  1822  (twenty-four 
years  ago),  the  query  had  been  asked,  "  Whether  a  brother 
might  be  chosen  to  baptize  and  to  break  the  bread  of  com- 
munion who  does  not  wear  his  beard?"  and  was  consid- 
ered that,  according  to  the  image  of  God  (in  which  man 
was  created),  and  according  to  the  image  of  Christ,  we 
ought  to  wear  the  beard;  and  that  a  brother  should  not  be 
advanced  so  far,  who  could  not  deny  himself  in  this  re- 
spect." In  1804  (forty-two  years  ago),  the  query  came  up, 
"  Whether,  if  it  be  required,  we  might  ordain  a  brother,  as 
a  bishop,  who  shaves  off  his  beard?"  and  was  considered, 
that,  "as  God  created  man  with  a  beard,  and  again,  God 
commanded  his  people,  in  the  law  (of  Moses),  and  especially 
the  priests  of  God,  not  to  cut  off  the  beard,  and  also, 
Christ,  our  master  and  our  example,  together  with  his  dis- 
ciples, may  become  our  pattern  in  this  respect — in  consid- 
eration ot  these  and  other  Scriptures  and  examples,  it 
could  not  well  be  done  in  a  sound  faith  and  with  a  clear 
conscience." 

Art.  12.  Whether  it  is  agreeable  with  the  gospel  for  a 
sister,  who  is  the  widow  of  a  brother,  whose  property  will 
not  suffice  to  pay  his  debts,  for  herself  to  claim  her  full 
third  of  the  estate,  if  the  laws  of  the  land  allow  her? 
Considered,  that  she  has  full  power  to  keep  what  the 
laws  allow  her;  but  if  there  be  poor  creditors,  and  she, 
having  a  large  dower,  she  ought  to  be  as  charitable  as  her 
circumstances  will  permit. 

Art.  13,  As  to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting,  again  request 


116  MINUTES    OF 

was  made  by  our  brethren  in  Tennessee  for  a  general  meet- 
ing on  the  4th  of  September  next,  which  was  granted  by 
the  assembled  elders.*  It  will,  therefore,  by  the  permission 
of  the  Lord,  take  place  on  said  time  at  the  meeting-house 
near  Bro.  Joseph  Bowman's,  in  "Washington  County,  East 
Tennessee.  The  brethren  from  the  church  at  Antedum,  in 
Franklin  Count}',  Pennsylvania,  made  again  application 
for  the  next  Pentecostal  meeting,  which  wTas  likewise 
granted,  and  the  brethren  will,  therefore,  it  the  Lord  per- 
mit, convene  in  Annual  Meeting  in  the  vicinity  of  Waynes- 
boro', Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Thursday  before 
Pentecost,  A.  D.  1847. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren — David  Pfoutz,  George 
Hoke,   Jacob     Pfoutz,    Christian    Long,  John    Bouman, 

*  The  following  qiieries  are  the  counsels  given  by  the  meeting  here 
alluded  to : 

Article  1.  How,  and  whether  a  brother  can  be  received  who  had  been 
expelled  from  the  church  for  selling  and  bill-of-saleing  away  his  slaves, 
and  afterward  wishes  to  be  received  again  ?  Considered,  that  such  a 
brother  can  not  be  reinstated  until  he  has  used  every  exertion  in  his 
power  to  liberate  them,  and  make  full  satisfaction  to  the  church. 

Art.  2.  How  is  it  considered  for  a  bishop,  with  a  few  members,  to  ex- 
pel a  member  without  taking  the  counsel  of  the  church?  Considered, 
that  in  all  such  important  matters  the  church  must  be  counseled. 

Art.  3.  Whether  we  should  give  liberty  to  preachers  of  other  denomi- 
nations to  speak  in  our  stated  meetings?  Considered,  that  it  would  not 
be  allowed,  according  to  the  gospel.    (See  II.  John  ix.  10.) 

Art.  4.  Whether  a  deacon  can  be  ordained  to  the  office  of  bishop? 
Considered,  that  we  have  no  authority  for  so  doing.  (See  I.  Tim.  in.  10, 
and  V.  22.) 

Art.  5.  Whether  a  deacon  should  fill  up  appointments  in  the  absence 
of  the  minister?  Considered,  that  he  may,  by  singing,  praying,  exhort- 
ing, and  reading  the  Scriptures,  but  that  he  is  not  to  preach  until  he  is 
legally  authorized  by  the  church. 

Art.  6.  Whether  a  deacon  has  a  right  to  appoint  meetings  and  preach 
without  being  authorized  by  the  church?  Considered,  that  he  has  no 
authority  for  so  doing,  but  that  he  should  try  to  discharge  the  duties  in- 
cumbent upon  him  in  the  office  for  which  he  has  been  set  apart. 

Art.  7.  Is  it  obligatory  for  all  the  members  of  the  church  to  wash  feet, 
to  follow  the  example  of  Christ?  Ans.  That  we  should  make  no  change 
in  the  observance  of  this  ordinance,  but  that  every  member  should,  as 
Boon  as  possible,  fulfill  this  command :  "  Ye  ought  to  wash  one  another's 
feet." 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  117 

Dan.  Bollinger,  Andre  Spanogle,  Peter  Nead,  Dan.  Miller, 
Dan.  Bernhart,  Jacob  Fahrney,  John  Funk,  Peter  Long, 
Dan.  Fretz,  John  Price,  John  H.  Unistad,  James  H.  Tra- 
cey,  David  Shallenberger,  Henry  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1847. 

It  was  on  the  21st  day  of  May,  A.  D.  1847,  that  the  breth- 
ren from  the  East,  West,  North,  and  South,  assembled  in 
Annual  Meeting  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Isaac  Deardorff,  in 
Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  on  the  day  following 
entered  upon  the  business  of  the  church,  which  seemed  to 
be  somewhat  involved  in  clouds,  and  these  appeared  to 
lower  themselves  and  become  darker.  This  produced  an 
anxious  concern  for  the  future  peace  and  welfare  of  the 
church,  and  at  length  the  Lord  in  mercy  was  pleased  once 
more  to  smile  upon  his  troubled  children,  and  to  grant  them 
a  joyful  expectation  of  his  helping  his  servants  in  the  ardu- 
ous task  before  them.  Thus,  then,  the  points  and  queries 
presented  were  considered  and  discussed,  with  rather  un- 
usual unanimity,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  as  follows  : 

Article  1.  Whether  we  could  not  amend  our  plan  in 
holding  our  Yearly  Meetings,  that  the  business  might  be 
-conducted  more  quietly  and  orderly  ?  Concluded,  in  regard 
to  our  Yearly  Meetings,  that  the  brethren  meet  on  Satur- 
day, before  Pentecost,  and  have  public  meeting  till  Sunday 
evening.  Love-feast  to  be  held  either  on  Saturday  or  Sun- 
day evening,  at  the  option  of  the  church  where  the  Yearly 
Meeting  is  held.  On  Monday  the  council-meeting  to  begin, 
and  continue  until  all  the  business  is  transacted  or  disposed 
of.  The  council  to  consist  of  delegates,  not  more  than  two, 
to  be  sent  from  each  church,  with  a  written  certificate,  con- 
taining, also,  the  queries  to  be  presented  (by  the  church 
whom  they  represent)  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.     The  dele- 


118  MINUTES    OF 

gates  to  constitute  a  committee  of  the  whole,  to  receive 
and  examine  all  matters  communicated  to  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, and  to  arrange  all  the  queries  and  questions  for  public 
discussion ;  and  after  they  are  publicly  discussed,  and  the 
general  sentiments  heard, then  the  delegates  are  to  decide; 
and  if  two-thirds  or  more  of  the  delegates  agree,  let  the 
decision  thus  made  be  final;  but  if  the  nature  of  the  case 
be  such  that  two-thirds  do  not  give  their  consent,  let  it  be 
delayed,  until  it  receives  the  voice  of  at  least  two-thirds  of 
the  legal  representatives.  The  Yearly  Meetings  to  be  at- 
tended by  as  many  teachers  and  members  as  may  think 
proper  to  do  so,  and  the  privilege  in  discussion  to  be  free 
and  open  to  all  who  may  desire  to  participate  in  the  same,, 
as  heretofore. 

Art.  2.  Whether  a  brother  or  sister,  whose  companion 
has  broken  the  marriage  vow  by  fornication,  may  marry 
again  according  to  the  gospel,  after  he  or  she  may  have  ob- 
tained a  bill  of  divorce?  It  was  concluded  by  the  brethren 
present,  that  a  brother  or  sister  may  not.  (See  Minutes  of 
Yearly  Meeting,  1842,  Art.  8). 

Art.  3.  Whether  it  is  advisable  for  brethren,  who  are 
teachers,  to  occupy  a  stand  three  or  four  steps  high,  when 
they  are  invited  to  bold  meetings  in  the  meeting-houses  of 
the  different  persuasions  or  sects  through  our  country?' 
Considered  advisable  that  teachers  should  practice  discre- 
tion and  humility,  in  taking  their  stands  for  speaking,  and 
that  members  should,  also,  use  forbearance,  and  not  take- 
offense,  in  such  matters,  if  circumstances  would  make  it- 
preferable  for  teachers  to  occupy  such  a  stand. 

Art.  4.  A  request  that  the  present  Yearly  Meeting  recon- 
sider the  third  query,  as  it  stands  on  the  minutes  of  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  1846,  concerning  the  laying  on  of  hands 
on  the  deacons.  It  was  almost  unanimously  concluded,  that 
it  would  be  better,  for  the  present,  to  leave  this  subject  rest 
as  it  is. 

Art.  5.  Would  it  be  considered  expedient  for  a  church  tc~ 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.    '  119 

elect  a  brother  for  the  office  of  deacon,  whose  wife  is  not  a 
member?  Considered,  that  if  he  be  a  brother  of  good  re- 
port, and  one  in  whom  the  church  may  have  confidence, 
this  circumstance  ought  not  to  hinder  the  church  from  elect- 
ing him  to  the  office  ot  deacon,  provided  there  be  no  other 
objections.      I.  Tim.  in.  12. 

Art.  6.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  brother  preaches  up 
the  doctrine  that  Jesus  Christ  himself  baptized,  and  con- 
tends so  hard  for  it,  that  it  has  already  caused  a  division  in 
the  church  ?  Considered,  that  the  brethren  present,  at  this 
Yearly  Meeting,  unanimously  believe  that  Jesus  did  not 
baptize,  but  his  disciples,  as  recorded  (John  iv.  2),  and  they 
also  admonish  such  a  brother  not  to  speak  so  any  more; 
and  if  he  should  still  persist  in  so  doing,  that  he  shall  not 
do  it  in  the  name  of  the  brethren. 

Art.  7.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  brother  preach  a  sen- 
timent, on  a  part  of  scripture,  that  would  not  be  in  accord- 
ance with  the  general  views  of  the  brethren  (yet  made  good 
doctrine),  whether  it  would  be  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the 
brethren,  to  make  it  a  question  at  the  general  council-meet- 
ing, and  forbid  him  to  preach  it,  or  condemn  him  for  it,  as 
erroneous,  without  first  reasoning  with  him,  or  taking  the 
counsel  of  the  church  wherein  he  lives?  Considered,  by 
the  brethren  present,  that  no  accusation  should  be  brought 
before  the  general  council-meeting  against  a  brother,  in 
such  a  case,  unless  he  first  having  had  a  hearing  before  his 

own  church. 

Art.  8.  Whether  it  may  be  proper,  and  agreeable  with 
the  gospel,  for  a  brother  to  borrow  money  from  banks,  or 
speculating  money-lenders,  for  the  purpose  of  buying  and 
droving  cattle,  sheep,  and  horses,  or  for  buying  wheat,  or 
other  produce,  and  transporting  the  same  to  the  Atlantic 
cities,  or  other  public  markets,  for  the  purpose  of  making 
gain  or  profit?  Considered,  that  we,  in  general  council, 
would  advise  any  brother  not  to  engage  so  largely  in  trad- 
ing, as  there  is  great  danger  in  so  doing,  both  in  a  temporal 
aud  a  spiritual  point  of  view.     (See  I.  Tim.  VI.  9,  10) 


120  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  9.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  brother,  or  a  sister, 
should  have  two  suits  of  clothes,  one  of  them  plain,  to  go 
to  meeting  in,  and  one  after  the  fashion  of  the  world,  to  go 
to  other  gatherings  in?  Considered,  by  the  brethren  pres- 
ent, that  it  is  very  unbecoming  for  members  to  do  so,  and 
that  it  would  be  the  duty  of  the  teachers  faithfully  to  ad- 
monish such  brethren  and  sisters  again  and  again,  if  neces- 
sary, not  to  conform  to  the  world  in  their  dress  and  habits, 
as  the  apostles,  also,  have  warned  us.  (See  Rom.  xn.  1,  2; 
I.  Tim.  ii.  9 ;  I.  Pet.  in.  3,  4). 

Art.  10.  Would  it  be  proper  for  brethren  to  join  the  se- 
cret association  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance?  Considered, 
inasmuch  as  we  are  to  "  prove  all  things,  and  hold  fast  that 
which  is  good,"  and  as  the  nature  of  secret  societies  is  such 
as  to  preclude  the  knowledge  of  them,  before  a  membership 
is  obtained,  we  consider  it  improper  for  a  member  of  the 
church  to  join  such  an  order 

Art.  11.  Is  it  proper  for  bretnren  to  have  their  property 
insured  by  an  insurance  company?  Considered,  that  we 
can  not  advise  brethren  to  do  so,  neither  could  we  forbid  its 
being  done,  in  a  mutual  way. 

Art.  12.  As  to  the  place  and  time  of  our  next  Yearly 
Meeting,  invitations  had  been  sent  in  from  our  beloved 
brethren,  in  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  from  sev- 
eral churches  in  Ohio,  and  in  consideration  of  last  year's 
conclusion,  it  was  decided  that  the  next  Yearly  Meeting 
should  take  place  (with  the  gracious  permission  of  God)  on 
Pentecost,  1843,  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Jacob  Kurtz,  in  Wayne 
County,  Ohio,  about  fourteen  miles  west  of  Massillon,  and 
eight  miles  east  of  "VVooster.  The  brethren  are  to  arrive 
on  Friday  evening,  or  Saturday  morning,  in  order  to  attend 
public  worship,  and  then  continue  with  the  council-meeting 
from  Monday  morning  until  the  business  is  finished. 

Art.  13.  As  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  be  done,  this 
meeting,  therefore,  in  the  conclusion,  would  advise  all  the 
elders  and  teachers,  faithfully  to  labor  in  their  respective 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  121 

congregations,  to  settle  and  reconcile  all  matters  of  differ- 
ence that  may  take  place  among  them,  as  far  as  possible, 
and  not  to  embarrass  the  councils  of  the  Yearly  Meeting 
with  such  local  cases,  that  might  be  disposed  of  at  home, 
where  all  the  facts  may  be  more  easily  and  fully  obtained; 
yet  after  repeated  efforts  being  made  to  effect  a  reconcilia- 
tion, without  success,  we  then  conceive  it  to  be  the  privilege 
of  the  brethren  'to  call  in  the  elders,  from  one  or  more  of 
the  adjoining  congregations,  to  assist;  and  should  this  be 
done  without  success,  it  is  then  the  privilege  of  the  breth- 
ren, if  they  think  proper,  to  refer  the  case  to  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  with  as  many  of  the  facts  and  evidences  connected 
with  the  same  as  may  be  convenient  to  transmit. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren:  David  Pfoutz,  John 
Price,  Geo.  Hoke,  Daniel  Bollinger,  Jacob  Holsiuger,  Jacob 
Pfoutz,  Jacob  Fahrney,  John  Funk,  John  Molsbaugh, 
Philip  Boyle,  Samuel  Miller,  David  Hardman,  John  H. 
Umstad. 

A  true  copy  of  the  Minutes. 

Attest :  Henry  Kurtz, 
Clerk  of  Yearly  Meeting. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1848. 

On  Monday  morning,  June  12th,  after  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day having  been  occupied  with  public  worship,  the  council- 
meeting  was  begun  at  8  o'clock  a.  m.,  solemnly,  fasting  and 
prayer  having  been  recommended  to  all  the  members  pres- 
ent, at  early  morning  worship,  and  after  singing,  exhorta 
tion  and  prayer,  and  also  reading  the  fifteenth  chapter  of 
the  Acts,  business  was  entered  upon  by  Brethren  George 
Hoke,  Jos.  Gerber,  John  Hart,  Peter  Nead,  John  Kline, 
Philip  Boyle,  and  Henry  Kurtz,  being  appointed  as  a  com- 
mittee to  receive  the  messages  from  the  churches. 


122  MINUTES    OF 

The  following  brethren  appeared  as  delegates : 

******* 

Whole  number  of  delegates  was  95,  and  among  them  were 
— ordained  elders,  24;  elders,  31;  teachers,  14;  deacons,  15; 
and  private  members,  11.  Churches  represented,  59;  and 
though  as  fully  represented  as  ever  before,  it  is  believed  that 
only  about  one-third  of  the  churches  had  sent  messengers. 
The  number  of  papers  handed  in,  amounted  to  63.  Con- 
sidering that  the  reading  of  all  the  papers,  by  one  commit- 
tee, would  take  up  too  much  time,  it  was  concluded  to  dis- 
tribute them  among  ten  committees,  which  were  to  exam- 
ine them,  and  report  thereon  to  the  meeting.  These  com- 
mittees were  selected  from  the  delegates,  as  follows: 

The  committees  having  reported,  one  query  after  another 
was  taken  into  consideration,  and  answered  as  follows: 

Article  1.  Is  it  right  to  admit,  or  invite,  those  who  do 
not  belong  to  our  church,  into  our  council-meetings?  Con- 
sidered, that  it  is  not  proper  to  admit,  into  our  council-meet- 
ings, any  person  who  is  not  a  member  of  the  church. 

Art.  2.  Whether  it  be  proper  to  reconsider  Art.  3,  of  last 
year's  minutes,  relating  to  preaching  from  a  stand  ?  Recon- 
sidered, that  all  our  brethren  should  endeavor,  as  much  as 
possible,  to  avoid  giving  or  taking  offense. 

Art.  3.  How  are  we  to  receive  members  into  the  churck, 
from  their  first  application,  until  they  are  baptized  accord- 
ing to  the  gospel?  Considered,  that  inasmuch  as  there  has 
been,  hitherto,  a  difference  in  the  practice,  and  in  the  form 
of  words  used  in  this  ordinance ;  and  inasmuch  as  it  is  desir- 
able to  be,  in  all  such  matters,  of  one  mind,  and  do  and  speak 
the  same  things,  this  meeting  has  unanimously  agreed  upon 
the  following  course,  and  form  of  words,  and  recommend 
the  same  for  adoption  in  all  the  churches : 

First,  the  applicant  to  be  examined  by  two  or  more  breth- 
ren ;  then,  the  case  to  be  brought  before  the  church  council, 
before  whom  the  applicant  is  to  declare  his  agreement  with 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        123 

us,  in  regard  to  the  principles  of  being  defenseless,  non- 
swearing,  and  not  conforming  to  the  world;  then,  in  meet- 
ing, or  at  the  water,  to  read  from  Matt,  xviii.,  verses  10  to 
22,  in  public,  the  candidates  being  asked  if  they  will  be 
governed  by  those  gospel  rules;  then,  prayer  at  the  waterr 
and  in  the  water,  the  following  questions  to  be  asked : 

Question:  Dost  thou  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son 
of  God,  and  that  he  has  brought  from  heaven  a  saving  gos- 
pel?    Answer:  Yea. 

Question :  Dost  thou  willingly  renounce  Satan,  with  all 
his  pernicious  ways,  and  all  the  sinful  pleasures  of  this 
world?    Answer:  Yea. 

Question :  Dost  thou  covenant  with  God,  in  Christ  Jesus,. 
to  be  faithful  until  death  ?     Answer:  Yea. 

Upon  this,  thy  confession  of  faith,  which  thou  hast  made 
before  God  and  these  witnesses,  thou  shalt,  for  the  remission 
of  sins,  be  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  After  baptism,  while  in  the 
water,  the  administrator  to  lay  his  hands  on  the  head  of 
the  candidate,  and  offer  up  a  prayer  to  God  in  his  behalf,, 
and  then  the  member  is  to  be  received,  by  hand  and  kiss,, 
into  church-fellowship. 

Art.  4.  How  to  forward  a  brother  to  the  ministry,  as 
speaker,  according  to  the  gospel  ?  Considered,  that  the 
church  is  exhorted  to  prayer,  to  guide  them  in  a  proper 
choice,  not  discussing  the  subject  with  each  other,  but  keep- 
ing their  thoughts  before  God  only ;  two  ordained  elders  to 
be  invited  by  the  church  to  hold  an  election,  who  shall 
preside,  and  declare  the  one  having  the  highest  number  of 
votes  as  chosen  ;  the  brother  so  chosen,  having  declared 
his  willingness  to  fulfill  the  duties  laid  on  him,  is  then  re- 
ceived by  hand  and  kiss. 

Art.  5.  Ought  we  to  receive  any  person  into  the  church 
without  baptism,  having  been  baptized  by  any  other  order 
of  people  ?  Considered,  that  this  Yearly  Meeting  advise  to 
be  very  careful  in  this  matter,  and  give  it,  as  their  unani- 


124:  MINUTES    OF 

nious  conclusion,  that  it  would  be  better  to  admit  no  per- 
son into  the  church,  without  first  being  baptized  by  the 
brethren. 

Art.  6.  Whether  the  Scriptures  require  that  women, 
praying  or  prophesying,  should  have  any  other  covering 
than  the  hair,  and  whether  it  includes  alike  married  and 
unmarried  women?  Considered,  unanimously,  that  they 
all  should  have  a  covering  on  their  heads. 

Art.  7.  How  to  make  arrangement,  that  in  every  church 
brethren  be  authorized  to  baptize,  and  serve  at  communion- 
tables? Considered,  to  leave  this  to  the  judgment  of  the 
churches,  with  the  advice  of  neighboring  ordained  elders, 
whether  they  think  it  necessary  or  expedient. 

Art.  8.  "Whether  the  brethren,  in  annual  meeting,  could 
not  adopt  a  plan,  that  small  churches,  which  seem  to  be  on 
a  decline,  could  be  better  attended  to  ?  Considered,  that 
such  churches  should  call  on  the  neighboring  churches,  and 
these  should  attend  to  them  ;  moreover,  it  is  the  advice  of 
this  Yearly  Meeting,  that  every  ordained  brother  ought 
faithfully  to  perform  his  duty  in  this  respect. 

Art.  9.  Whether  a  brother  maybe  allowed,  according  to 
the  gospel,  to  take  pay  (when  offered)  for  performing  the 
ceremony  of  marriage?  Considered,  that  this  meeting  can 
not  advise  brethren  to  take  a  fee,  and  would  leave  it,  as  a 
matter  of  conscience,  to  the  ministering  brother,  with  the 
advice  of  the  church  in  which  he  lives. 

Art.  10.  Would  it  not  be  better,  in  selecting  the  repre- 
sentatives, or  delegates,  to  the  Yearly  Meeting,  to  take 
them  all  from  among  the  lay  members,  or  lay  brethren  ? 
Considered,  to  refer  this,  and  all  other  questions  on  Yearly 
Meeting,  to  the  committee  of  elders,  to  consider  and  report 
thereon. 

Art.  11.  Can  it  be  considered  prudent,  or  profitable,  for 
members  to  frequent  camp-meetings,  or  protracted  meet- 
ings, from  time  to  time?  Unanimously  considered,  not  to 
be  profitable  for  members  so  to  do. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         125 

Art.  12.  Can  we  receive  a  member  into  the  church,  by 
baptism,  without  a  confession  ;  and  if  not,  what  is  that  con- 
fession to  be  ?  Considered,  that  we  can  not  receive  a  mem- 
ber into  the  church, by  baptism,  without  a  confession;  and, 
what  this  is,  see  Art.  3. 

Art.  13.  Whether  it  would  be  expedient,  or  not,  to  bring 
the  question  from  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  each  church,  and 
let  them  consider  them,  and  at  the  next  Yearly  Meeting, 
let  the  decision  of  each  respective  church  be  made  known? 
Considered,  that  it  would  not  be  expedient  so  to  do,  as  it 
would  be  the  means  of  accumulating  the  amount  of  busi- 
ness. 

Art.  14.  Is  there  any  other  way  to  receive  members  into 
the  church,  than  by  baptism,  or  is  it  agreeable  with  the 
gospel  to  receive  such,  that  have  been  baptized  with  a  triune 
immersion,  into  other  bodies,  or  churches,  to  receive  them 
in  the  church  of  God,  except  by  re-baptizing  them  ?  An- 
swered under  Art.  5. 

Art.  15.  If  a  sister  married  a  man,  and  gets  to  know, 
afterward,  that  he  had  already  a  wife,  and  she  immediately 
forsakes  him,  hath  she  the  liberty  to  get  married  to  another 
man,  while  that  man  is  yet  living,  according  to  the  gospel? 
Considered,  that  we  submit  the  case  to  her  own  judgment, 
and  advise  her,  that  she  should,  in  future,  be  cautious,  and 
take  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  16.  About  the  laying  on  of  hands  on  deacons,  it 
was  unanimously  considered,  to  postpone  the  discussion  of 
this  subject  indefinitely,  until  there  is  reason  to  hope  that 
it  may  be  done  calmly,  and  without  prejudice. 

Art.  17.  With  regard  to  the  printing  of  the  minutes  of 
the  Yearly  Meetings,  it  was  concluded  to  have  as  many 
printed,  as  to  supply  each  church  with  two  copies,  but  that 
on  no  condition  they  should  be  sold  to  such  as  are  not 
members. 

Art.  18.  Whether  we  have  any  authority  for  liberating 
a  person  out  of  the  avoidance,  without  the  person  making 


126  MINUTES    OF 

application  ?  Considered,  that  there  is,  to  our  knowledge, 
no  such  authority  in  the  gospel. 

Art.  19.  Whether  two  ordained  elders,  by  the  approba- 
tion of  part  of  the  church,  can  alter  the  decision  of  three 
ordained  elders  and  all  the  members  present  ?  Referred  to 
next  general  council-meeting,  in  Indiana. 

Art.  20.  Whether  three  or  more  ordained  elders  have 
the  authority  of  liberating,  out  of  avoidance,  independent 
of  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  it  can  not  be  done  prop- 
erly without  the  counsel  and  consent  of  the  church. 

Art.  21.  Whether  it  would  not  be  more  according  to  the 
word  in  St.  John's  gospel (xin.  15), that  a  brother  should 
both  wash  and  wipe  his  brother's  feet?  Considered,  that 
the  brethren  still  think  as  they  did  seven  years  ago,  in  this 
respect.     (See  Minutes  of  1841,  Art.  2.) 

Art.  22.  Whether  a  member,  agreeably  to  gospel,  can 
withhold  testimony  against  his  or  her  matrimonial  com- 
panion, when  such  testimony  is  required.  Considered, 
that  such  testimony  should  not  be  withheld,  according  to 
gospel,  in  a  case  where  it  is  absolutely-  necessary  (for  ex- 
ample, to  the  conviction  and  salvation  of  a  fallen  member.) 

Art.  23.  Is  it  proper  for  members  to  have  their  property 
insured?     Considered,  as  in  Art.  11  of  last  year. 

Art.  24.  Is  the  Lord's  Supper  observed  by  the  brethren 
according  to  the  gospel,  or,  doth  the  gospel  require  a  sup- 
per in  holding  communion-meetings?  Considered,  that 
we  have  ample  testimony  in  the  gospel  to  enable  us  to  con- 
clude, that  a  supper  was  eaten  by- the  Savior  and  his  dis- 
ciples, in  the  same  night  he  instituted  the  communion. 
(See  Matt.  xxvi.  20  ;  Mark  xiv.  17, 18;  Luke  xxn.  20  ;  John 
xin. ;  Jude,  verse  12.)  And  the  Apostle  Paul,  after  re- 
proving the  brethren  at  Corinth  tor  their  disorder,  in  ob- 
serving the  supper,  and  speaking  of  it  as  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, expressly  declares  that  he  had  received  from  the  Lord 
what  he  had  delivered  unto  them,  telling  them  how  to 
observe  it  in  proper  order.     I.  Cor.  xi.  23—34. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  127 

Art.  25.  Ought  not  those  queries  which  stand  upon  the 
minutes  of  1846,  and  were  considered  and  decided  by  the 
elders  in  private  committee,  instead  of  public  counsel,  be 
repealed?  The  fact  was  stated,  by  impartial  witnesses, 
that  the  council-meeting  was  broken  up  prematurely,  on 
account  of  the  multitude  gathering  in  on  Saturday,  so  that 
the  elders  had  to  adjourn  to  a  private  room,  in  order  that  they 
might  give,  as  they  were  requested,  their  sense  on  queries 
yet  on  docket.  These  queries  were  read,  with  the  answers 
given  before  this  Yearly  Meeting,  and  all  were  approved 
of,  almost  without  a  dissenting  voice. 

Art.  26.  "Whether  it  is  proper  in  all  cases  to  ask  counsel 
before  giving  a  letter  of  recommendation  ?  Considered, 
to  be  best  always  first  to  take  the  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  27.  Whether  it  is  according  to  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel,  as  the  14th  query  in  Minutes  of  Yearly  Meeting, 
1841,  was  laid  down  in  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania? 
Considered  unanimously,  that  the  sentiments  then  expressed 
are  right,  true,  and  according  to  gospel. 

Art.  28.  Whether  church-members  have  a  right,  accord- 
ing to  the  gospel,  to  go  to  public  shows?  Considered  far 
better  for  members  to  avoid  all  such  places. 

Art.  29.  The  committee  to  whom  the  letters  concern- 
ing our  Yearly  Meetings  had  been  referred,  reported  as 
follows :  No  less  than  twelve  letters,  from  all  parts  of  the 
church,  had  been  presented  in  regard  to  this  important 
matter,  and  after  reading  and  weighing  them  all,  and  taking 
also  in  view  the  general  state  of  feeling  and  experience  of 
the  present  meeting,  we  propose  the  following  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord :  Considered,  that  this  Yearly  Meeting  is  as 
anxious  and  unanimous  in  the  desire  of  following  in  the 
track  of  the  apostles  (Acts  xv.)  as  our  beloved  brethren 
were  eleven  years  ago,  at  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1837.  We 
find,  however,  by  experience,  that  the  change  of  the  time 
of  holding  the  coumfil  after  public  meeting  doth  work 
well — removing  from  us  the  great   crowd   of   strangers. 


128  MINUTES    OF 

"We  are  also  satisfied  that  the  sending  of  delegates  or  mes- 
sengers from  all  the  churches  is  necessary  and  proper,  as 
also  that  all  the  elders,  who  come  to  us,  ought  to  be  mem- 
bers of  the  meeting,  whether  sent  or  not.  A  general  com- 
mittee of  five  or  seven  elders  is  to  be  appointed,  as  hereto- 
fore, and  as  many  special  committees  as  may  be  deemed  prop- 
er or  necessary  in  order  to  dispatch  business.  But,  as  to 
voting,we  hold  that  it  will  be  best  to  aim  always  at  una- 
nimity, and  dispose  of  business  as  hitherto.  Should  the 
meeting  not  be  able  to  agree  on  any  one  point,  let  it  be 
postponed  to  a  future  meeting.  In  addition  it  was  pro- 
posed that  all  the  churches  should  be  admonished  to  use 
every  diligence  in  sending,  every  year,  two  delegates,  or  at 
all  events  one  to  the  Yearly  Meeting.  The  above  was  unani- 
mously adopted,  without  a  dissenting  voice. 

Art.  30.  With  regard  to  the  call  from  Indiana  for  a  gen- 
eral council-meeting  in  that  state  this  next  fall,  it  was  con- 
cluded, with  one  accord,  that  such  a  meeting  shall  beheld, 
God  willing,  at  the  house  of  Bro.  John  Koontz,  near  Del- 
phi, Carroll  County,  Indiana,  to  meet  on  Saturday  evening, 
September  23 — Sunday,  the  24th,  to  be  public  worship  and 
love-feast,  and  Monday,  the  25th,  council-meeting  to  begin.* 

*  To  the  minutes  of  this  year  we  append  the  minutes  of  the  general 
council  referred  to : 

Article  1.  Whether  a  private  brother  has  a  right  to  speak  in  public 
meeting?  Considered,  that,  inasmuch  as  there  is  a  way  appointed  in  the 
gospel  to  enter  into  the  ministry,  those  who  feel  an  inward  desire  or  call 
to  preach,  should  patiently  wait  until  the  church  sees  fit  to  appoint  them 
to  the  public  ministry.    (See  John  x.  1,  2;  Heb.  v.  4,  5;  Acts  i.,  etc.) 

Art.  2.  Whether  it  is  proper,  if  more  than  two  or  three  teachers  should 
rise  in  a  common  meeting  to  speak?  Considered,  that  a  due  sense  of 
order  and  propriety  will  teach  us  how  to  conduct  our  meetings  so  as  to 
edify,  and  not  to  weary,  the  congregation.    (See  I.  Cor.  xiv.  32,  33, 40.) 

Art.  3.  How  it  is  considered  when  a  part,  say  a  minority,  of  a  church 
disowns  the  other  part,  or  a  majority,  of  the  members,  without  taking  a 
legal  or  scriptural  course,  and  without  giving  a  legal  notice  to  the  body 
of  the  church,  and  not  showing  or  informing  the  disowned  members 
wherein  they  transgressed? 

[The  difficulties  in  this  case  occupied  the  greater  part  of  Monday  and 
Tuesday,  and  lastly  were  postponed  for  deciding  until  Wednesday  morn- 
ing.   See  Art.  12.] 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  129 

Art.  31.  As  to  our  next  regular  Yearly  Meeting,  on 
Pentecost,  1849,  there  was  but  one  invitation,  viz.,  from 
our  brethren  in  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  it  was 
therefore  agreed,  with  divine  permission,  to  meet  there  in 
Annual  Meeting,  on  Saturday  before  Pentecost,  the  26th 
of  May,  1849. 

Having  thus  far  tinished  the  task  before  us,  with  singular 
unanimity  and  dispatch,  and  feeling,  with  deep  humilty, 
that  not  unto  us,  nay,  not  unto  us,  unworthy  instruments, 
but  to  God  and  his  signal  blessing,  was  due  all  honor  and 
glory,  the  brethren  united  once  more  in  singing  a  hymn, 

Art.  4.  How  -would  it  bo  considered,  if  a  man  be  put  in  the  county- 
prison  for  safe  keeping  until  court,  and  a  brother  goes  his  security  for 
appearance,  and  releases  him  out  of  prison  ?  Considered,  that  a  brother 
ought  not  to  rueddle -with  such  matters  without  church  counsel. 

Art.  5.  Whether  brethren,  and  especially  teachers,  can,  consistently 
with  the  gospel  and  our  holy  profession,  attach  themselves  to  the  Free- 
masons, and  the  society  popularly  called  the  Sons  of  Temperance,  and  if 
not  consistent,  how  the  church  is  to  proceed  in  such  a  case  ?  Considered, 
that,  whereas,  the  Holy  Spirit  testifies  by  the  Apostle  Paul  (I.  Cor.  xi. 
29),  "  He  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eatethand  drinketh  dam- 
nation to  himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body:"  and, whereas,  we 
are  informed  in  Holy  Writ,  that  the  Lord's  body  is  his  church — of  which 
we  desire  to  be  members — and  he  is  the  head  ;  *  *  *  that  from  such 
and  other  considerations  and  declarations  of  the  word  of  God,  the  breth- 
ren have  always  believed,  and  do  still  believe,  that  it  is  not  only  unbe- 
coming and  wrong,  but  highly  dangerous,  for  brethren  to  attach  them- 
selves to  such  secret  societies,  or  any  association  of  this  world,  and  if 
they  should  do  so,  they  should  be  visited  in  love  (as  the  advice  was  forty- 
four  years  ago,  in  a  Yearly  Meeting  at  Pipe  Creek),  and  admonished  to 
withdraw  themselves  from  such,  and  if  they  should  acknowledge  their 
fault  before  the  church,  the  members  might  bear  with  them.  Bat  in  case 
of  a  minister  of  the  Word  having  gone  so  far,  not  only  to  attach  himself 
to  such  secret  societies,  but  also  to  act  as  their  chaplain  and  orator,  it  was 
considered,  that  such  a  brother  ought  to  be  silent  in  the  church,  until 
the  members  should  feel  renewed  confidence  in  him  again. 

Art.  6.  What  is  the  sense  of  the  brethren,  when  two  districts  are  in 
one  neighborhood,  and  members  from  other  parts  move  into  one  district, 
and  wish  to  hand  in  their  certificate,  and  to  attach  themselves  to  the  other 
district  ?  Considered,  that  it  would  be  best,  always,  that  when  districts 
are  laid  off,  all  those  in  the  one  district  ought  to  belong  to  it,  and  those  in 
the  other  to  that. 

Art.  7.  How  it  is  viewed,  when  persons,  living  in  one  district,  request 
to  be  baptized  and  receive:!  into  church-fellowship  in  the  other  district, 
9 


130  MINUTES    OF 

and  bowing  themselves  in  the  praises  aud  thanks  to  the 
Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  commending  our- 
selves, and  the  churches  in  union  with  us,  to  the  God  of 
our  salvation ;  fervently  praying  that  he,  in  tender  mercy, 
would  continue  to  let  his  light  shine  upon  us;  lead  us  and 
guide  us  through  all  dangers  and  difficulties,  make  us  use- 
ful instruments  in  his  hands  for  the  edification  of  his 
church,  and  to  the  conversion  of  a  sinful  world,  and  finally 
save  us  with  an  everlasting  salvation,  through  our  crucified 
Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. 

Lastly,  at  the  parting  meal,  Wednesday  noon,  it   was 

whether  it  is  proper  to  receive  them  without  counsel  of  the  district  in 
which  they  live?  Considered,  that  we  deem  it  advisable,  and  it  has  gen- 
erally been  the  course  of  the  brethren,  in  a  ease  where  a  person  made  ap- 
plication for  baptism  in  a  meeting  out  of  the  district  in  which  the  appli- 
cant lives,  to  hold  council  with  the  members  of  that  church  in  whose 
bounds  he  resides. 

Art.  8.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  brother,  that  is  chosen  for  an  office 
in  the  church,  should  move  from  one  church  and  neighborhood  to  an- 
other, and  bring  no  testimony  along — whether  he  can  be  received  in  his 
office  before  a  testimony  arrives?  Considered,  that,  if  such  a  brother 
moves  only  a  little  way,  into  a  church  where  his  standing  is  generally 
known,  there  would  be  no  need  of  a  written  testimony;  but  if  a 
brother  should  move  a  considerable  distance,  it  is  right  and  proper  to 
require  a  testimony  before  such  is  received  in  his  office. 

Art.  9.  Whether  brethren  can,  according  to  the  gospel,  use  the  force 
of  the  law  and  collect  money  from  brethren,  and  thereby  cause  considera- 
ble costs ;  and  whether  brethren,  causing  such  costs,  should  not  at  least  pay 
the  same?  Considered,  that  the  gospel  gives  no  right  to  use  the  force 
of  the  law  against  a  brother;  and  as  to  the  other  point,  in  regard  to  the 
costs,  the  church  can  judge  best  in  each  individual  case. 

Art.  10.  "What  is  the  proper  course  for  a  church  to  pursue  with  mem- 
bers that  have  been  disowned  by  the  church,  and  their  office,  as  teachers 
in  the  church,  taken  from  them,  and  yet,  contrary  to  the  counsel  of  the 
church,  they  still  go  on  to  hold  meetings,  and  influence  innocent  mem- 
bers to  go  contrary  to  the  rules  and  order  of  the  church?  Considered, 
that  such  a  brother  should  be  still  lovingly  and  faithfully  admonished, 
again  and  again,  to  desist  from  such  a  course ;  but  if  he  would,  notwith- 
standing, continue  therein,  we  would  have,  as  a  last  remedy,  to  put  him 

in  avoidance. 

Art.  11.  When  the  church  disowns  a  member,  so  that  it  is  set  back 
from  the  salutation  of  'the  kiss,  and  from  church  fellowship,  how  is  the 
proper  way  to  do  with  such  members  as  come  from  other  arms  of  the 
church,  and,  knowing  the  standing  of  such  disowned  members,  yet  will 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         131 

proposed,  and  heartily  responded  to  by  all,  to  recommend 
every  Monday  of  our  future  Annual  Meetings  as  a  day  of 
general  fasting  and  prayer,  not  only  to  the  members  that 
may  be  gathered  at  the  place  of  meeting,  but  to  all  the 
members  in  every  part  of  the  Lord's  vineyard,  who  yet 
desire  to  be  faithful,  and  to  see  all  the  household  of  faith 
continue  steadfastly  in  the  apostle's  doctrine,  and  in  fellow- 
ship, and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers,  even  until 
He  comes,  who  hath  said,"  Surely,  I  come  quickly."  Amen. 
Even  so  come,  Lord  Jesus  !  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  be  with  us  all.     Amen. 

Signed,  in  the  name  of  the  meeting,  and  in  behalf  of  the 
following  ordained  elders  :  George  Hoke,  Joseph  Gerber, 
John  Hart,  Henry  Kurtz,  Philip  Boyle,  Peter  Xead,  John 

Kline, ,  James  H.  Tracey,  Michael  Moyer, 

John   Metzger,   John  Molsbaugh,   George    Shively,    Jos. 

still  hold  fellowship  with  such?  Considered,  that,  inasmuch  as  the 
church  of  Christ  is  one  body,  all  over  the  world,  and  the  Word  even 
says,  "Whatsoever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaA'en  ;  and 
whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosened  in  heaven,"  if  one 
branch  of  this  church  disowns  a  member,  members  from  other  branches, 
knowing  this,  should  hold  them  equally  as  disowned. 

Art.  12.  In  regard  to  the  third  query,  or  the  difficulties  of  Bachelor's 
Run  Church  with  Bros.  Oyman  and  Patton,  and  others,  the  brethren  in 
general  council  considered  that  there  had  been  committed  errors  on  both 
sides,  in  consequence  of  which  many  members  on  both  sides  made  satis- 
factory acknowledgments  before  the  meeting,  and  it  was  concluded,  that, 
with  such,  all  that  is  past  should  be  forgiven  and  forgotten,  and  with  as 
many  as  may  yet  come  and  make  satisfaction,  and  that  they  all  should 
be  received  into  full  fellowship,  and  Bro.  David  Fisher  in  his  office  as  a 
speaker.  Furthermore,  this  meeting  considers  and  counsels,  that  Bros. 
Oyman  and  Patton,  and  such  others  that  hold  yet  with  them,  should  have 
yet  time  to  reflect,  and  should  they  come,  also,  in  a  reasonable  space  of 
time,  and  make  satisfactory  acknowledgment,  then  the  church  should 
also  be  willing  to  forgive  them  ;  but  if  they  should  persist  in  their  con- 
trary course,  going  on  holding  meetings  in  opposition  to  the  church,  and 
even  become  railers  of  the  church,  there  would  be  no  other  way  than  to 
put  them  into  full  avoidance,  according  to  I.  Cor.  v. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren — George  Hoke,  George  Shively,  Jo- 
seph Showalter,  and  H.  Kurtz,  of  Northeastern  Ohio  ;  Joseph  Gerber 
and  P.  Nead,  of  Southwestern  Ohio  ;  Dan.  Cripe,  of  Elkhart,  Indiana;  J. 
Molsbaugh,  D.  Miller,  J.  Hart,  H.  Metzger,  J.  Metzger,  Jac.  Brower,  etc. 


132  MINUTES    OF 

Showalter,  Ben.  Bowman,  John  Shoemaker,  George  Ba- 

righ,  John  H.  Umstad,  Jacob  Meyer, ,  David 

Shoemaker,  Daniel  Miller,  John  Shively,  John  Holsinger. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1849. 

Article  1.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  brother  teacher, 
who  is  not  ordained,  makes  appointments  far  and  near, 
without  the  counsel  of  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  our 
younger  brethren  in  the*  ministry,  in  all  cases,  should  be 
careful  not  to  appoint  meetings  or  do  any  thing  that  is  be- 
yond their  calling,  and  consequently  would  offend  the 
church,  or  the  older  brethren,  not  only,  but  God  also. 

Art.  2.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  a  brother 
to  call  the  meeting  to  rise  upon  their  feet,  after  worship  is 
concluded  with  singing  and  prayer,  and  then,  with  up- 
lifted hands,  pronounce  a  blessing  over  them  ?  Concluded, 
that  it  should  not  be. 

Art.  3.  Can  it  be  allowed  for  brethren  to  wear  fur  or 
cloth  caps,  and  sisters  to  wear  trimmed-straw  or  leghorn 
bonnets?  Considered,  to  be  inconsistent  with  the  word 
of  God,  and  therefore  it  ought  not  to  be. 

Art.  4.  Coneerning  the  holy  kiss,  how  often  should  it  be 
practiced?  Considered,  if  we  have  love  for  one  another 
we  should  not  dispense  with  it,  especially  at  our  meetings 
for  worship. 

Art.  5.  Some  members  think  there  is  too  much  feasting- 
at  our  love-feasts,  in  providing  so  much  for  those  who 
come  to  feast,  and  make  disturbance  at  our  meetings. 
Considered,  that  we  are  to  feed  the  hungry,  if  we  are  led 
by  Christ's  example ;  and  the  apostle  says,  "  Therefore,  if 
thine  enemy  hunger,  feed  him  ;  if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink : 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        133 

for  in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  tire  on  his  head." 
Rom.  xii.  20. 

Art.  6.  Would  it  not  be  well  to  have  a  committee  ap- 
pointed, at  this  or  some  future  Annual  Meeting,  whose  duty 
it  should  be  to  collect  all  the  advice  of  councils,  bearing  on 
all  points  of  duty,  and  put  it  in  the  form  of  a  book,  and 
bring  it  before  the  council  of  the  following  year,  for  their 
approbation,  and,  if  approved  of,  get  it  printed — so  that 
•each  member  might  have  a  copy,  not  as  a  creed,  but  as  ad- 
vice, and  as  a  testimony  of  the  truth,  as  we  understand  it  ? 
Considered,  to  let  this  matter  lay  over. 

Art.  6.  An  objection  alleged  against  the  printing  of  so 
few  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Yearly  Meeting ;  would  it  not 
be  expedient  to  have  a  greater  number  printed  ?  Postponed 
the  consideration  of  this  to  auother  query  of  like  import. 
(See  Art.  43.) 

Art.  8.  Would  it  not  be  right  for  the  brethren,  in 
•council  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  to  appoint  several  brethren 
that  are  experienced  and  sound  in  the  faith,  and  send  them, 
two  and  two,  with  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting, 
and  let  them  visit  all  the  congregations  in  the  United 
States,  and  establish  them  all  in  the  same  order,  according 
to  example  (Acts  xv.)  ?  Considered,  to  leave  this  over  for 
further  consideration. 

Art.  9.  What  is  the  duty  of  a  bishop  toward  his  church, 
.and  the  duty  of  the  church  toward  the  bishop  or  bishops? 
In  case  a  bishop  commits  an  error,  is  it  to  be  overlooked 
more  in  him  than  in  another  brother  in  office,  or  a  private 
member?  Considered,  that  elders  that  rule  well,  should 
be  counted  worthy  of  double  honor,  and  that  overseers 
should  not  undertake  any  thing  of  importance  without 
counsel  of  the  church,  and  if  there  should  be  a  general 
complaint  of  the  church  against  him,  he  is  to  acknowledge 
his  fault  before  the  church,  like  another  member,  and 
should  not  be  spared ;  for  "  if  the  eye  be  evil,  the  whole 
body  shall  be  full  of  darkness."     Still,  it  was  always  the 


134  MINUTES    OF 

advice  of  our  old  brethren,  that,  in  any  case  where  labor- 
ing brethren  were  in  a  fault,  strange  and  impartial  breth- 
ren, of  experience,  should  be  called  to  assist  in  the  investi- 
gation and  justification  of  the  same. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  proper  for  members  of  the  church  of  Christ 
to  take  stock  in  railroad  or  similar  companies — such  as 
bank  stock,  etc.  ?  Considered,  as  the  stock  of  incorporate 
companies,  only,  and  not  the  individual  property  held  by 
the  stockholders,  is  responsible  for  debts  incurred  by  the 
company,  and  as  the  business  of  such  companies  is  often 
much  involved  in  obscurity,  and  persons  dealing  with  such 
companies  may  be  liable  to  be  deceived,  brethren  had  better 
not  engage  in  such  investments. 

Art.  11.  Is  it  proper  for  a  member  of  the  church  of  the 
Brethren  in  Christ  to  commune  with  other  religious  soci- 
eties ;  and  if  not  considered  proper,  how  shall  the  church 
proceed  with  a  member  that  violates  its  order  ?  We  con- 
sider, that  we  can  not,  consistently  with  the  views  we  en- 
tertain of  the  gospel  order,  commune  with  other  societies ; 
and  if  any  of  our  members  should  do  so,  they  ought  to  be 
tenderly  admonished,  and  given  to  understand  that  the 
brethren  can  not  hold  them  in  fellowship,  if  they  continue 
to  do  so. 

Art.  12.  Concerning  the  propriety  and  necessity  of  rec- 
ommendations for  members  that  move  from  one  church  to 
another?  Considered,  that  the  ministers  in  the  various 
churches  should  see  that  none  of  their  members  should 
move  away  without  a  recommendation,  that  no  church  is- 
bound  to  receive  a  member  without  recommendation, 
and  that  the  recommendation  be  signed  by  not  less  than 
two  or  three  witnesses,  according  to  the  gospel ;  that  the 
apostles  gave  written  recommendations.  (See  Rom.  xvi. 
1,  2  ;  I.  Cor.  xvi.  10,  11 ;  II.  Cor.  vm.  23 ;  Eph.  vi.  21,  22  ; 
Col.  iv.  7-3 ;  J..  Thess.  in.  2,  etc.) 

Art.  13.  When  a  member  offends  in  a  church,  and  moves 
away  without  being  reconciled,  can  he  ootain  a  certificate 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        135 

by  writing,  without  personally  presenting  himself?  Con- 
sidered, when  a  member  removes,  under  such  circumstan- 
ces, and  is  so  far  away,  or  situated  unfavorably  for  coming 
back  to  make  reconciliation,  when  he  wishes  to  do  so,  if 
the  church  from  which  he  removed  is  satisfied  with  his  ac- 
knowledgments, made  in  writing,  it  may  signify  this  satis- 
faction in  a  letter  to  the  church  where  he  resides. 

Art.  14.  Is  the  supper,  which  the  brethren  eat  in  con- 
nection with  the  communion,  sacred  or  common  ?  As 
there  seems  to  be  some  reason  to  believe  that  the  Apostle 
Paul  alludes  to  the  supper,  with  other  means  of  grace,  in 
the  term  "ordinances,"  used  (I.  Cor.  xi.  2),  and  as  we  view 
it  as  a  practice  of  the  apostolic  church,  to  promote  the 
spiritual  edification  of  its  members,  we  consider  it  a  sacred 
institution,  and  as  such  it  ought  to  be  observed,  especially  as 
it  is  emphatically  called  "  the  Lord's  Supper."     I.  Cor.  xi.  20. 

Art.  15.  About  the  still-existing  difficulties  in  Bache- 
lor's Run  Church,  Carroll  County,  Indiana?  Concluded, 
in  general  council,  that  Peter  Xead  and  Mich.  Moyer,  of 
Montgomery  County,  and  Daniel  Miller  of  Preble  County, 
Ohio,  with  such  other  brethren  as  they  may  see  proper  to 
call  to  their  assistance,  should  be  a  committee  to  visit  said 
church,  and  try  once  more  to  settle  the  difficulties  there 
existing. 

Art.  16.  Whether  each  church  should  not  select  one 
brother  as  a  corresponding  brother  in  the  church?  Con- 
sidered, that  each  church  may  do  as  they  think  proper  in 
this  matter. 

Art.  17.  Whether  brethren  can  be  allowed  to  have  their 
likeness  or  profile  taken  ?     Considered,  as  not  advisable. 

Art.  18.  Whether  it  is  advisable  to  give  preachers  of 
other  denominations  privilege_to  speak  at  our  regularly 
appointed  meetings?     Considered,  it  is  not  advisable. 

Art.  19.  Should  the  supper,  or  part  of  it,  be  on  the  table 
at  the  time  of  feet-washing,  or  not?  Considered,  to  leave 
this  matter  as  hitherto  practiced  by  the  brethren. 


136  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  20.  Whether  a  laying  off  of  the  large  church,  here 
in  the  Glades,  into  several  districts,  would  not  be  thought 
expedient  ?  Considered,  unanimously,  that  it  seems  to  be 
necessary  and  expedient  that  this  church  should  be  laid  off 
into  four  or  five  districts,  and  that  a  committee  of  elders 
should  be  appointed  to  visit  this  church,  during  the  ensuing 
summer,  and  assist  the  brethren  in  laying  off'  and  organ- 
izing said  districts,  and  at  the  same  time,  also,  to  visit  In- 
dian Creek  Church,  and  settle  the  difficulties  that  may 
exist  in  both  churches.  The  committee  was  finally  nomi- 
nated, as  follows  :  Peter  Long,  Andrew  Spanogle,  and  John 
Holsinger,  of  Pennsylvania  ;  Joseph  Arnold  and  Jacob  By- 
ser,  of  Virginia,  and  George  Hoke  and  II.  Kurtz,  of  Ohio. 

Art.  21.  Is  the  Lord's  Supper  a  divine  or  sacred  ordi- 
nance ;  and  if  so,  have  the  children  of  God  a  right  to  invite 
such  as  are  not  members  to  eat  it  with  them  at  the  same 
table  and  time  ?  Considered,  to  be  a  divine  and  sacred  or- 
dinance (as  all  the  Lord's  ordinances  are),  and  should  be 
eaten  by  the  members  only. 

Art.  22.  Can  a  brother  be  allowed  to  teach  sinsrino-- 
schools  on  Sundays,  and  take  money  for  the  same?  Con- 
sidered, much  as  we  are  in  favor  of  correct  singing,  we 
still  think  it  best  for  a  brother  not  to  teach  singing-shools. 

Art.  23.  What  should  be  done  with  such  members,  as 
neglect  attending  our  meetings  for  six  or  more  months,  and 
when  the  yearly  visit  is  paid  them,  they  seem  or  feel  satis- 
fied with  the  church,  and  when  there  is  a  love-feast,  they 
generally  attend  and  commune  ?  Considered,  that  the  min- 
istering brethren  in  the  church,  in  which  such  members  are, 
should  earnestly  admonish  them  to  adhere  to  the  advice  of 
the  Apostle  Paul  (lleb.  x.  25. 

Art.  24.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  brother,  who  is  a 
deacon  of  the  church,  holds  and  defends  the  views  of  Ro- 
manists, and  other  sects?     Considered,  that  such  a  brother 
should  be  visited  by  the  brethren, and  admonished;  and  if 
he  still  persists  to  hold  and  defend  such  views  and  practices, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         137 

contrary  to  the  views  of  the  brethren,  he  could  not  be  con- 
tinued as  a  brother. 

Art.  25.  Whether  it  would  not  be  agreeable  to  the  gos- 
pel, to  advise  those  members,  who  have  been  in  the  church 
two  or  three  years,  and  are  still  conformed  to  this  world, 
not  to  come  to  communiou,  until  they  deny  themselves, 
and  become  transformed  from  the  world,  after  being  ad- 
monished thereto?  Considered,  that  conforming  to  the 
world  presents  itself  in  such  various  ways,  that  we  can  not 
erect  a  standard  in  regard  to  it,  so  as  to  authorize  the 
church  to  prohibit  such  members  from  partaking  of  the 
communion  ;  but  such  members  should  be  admonished  and 
reproved  by  the  church,  again  and  again. 

Art.  26.  When  the  church  deals  with  a  member,  or  mem- 
bers, and  they  are  not  satisfied  with  the  proceedings  of  the 
church,  whether  it  is  in  their,  or  in  the  church's  place,  to 
write  to  strange  brethren  for  assistance?  Considered,  that 
the  church  would  have  to  write,  if  any  strange  brethren 
should  be  called  on. 

Art.  27.  To  how  great  a  degree  must  a  brother  sin,  and 
be  degraded,  before  the  church  can  put  him  in  avoidance, 
according  to  the  gospel ;  and  whether  all  dealings  and 
communications,  of  a  temporal  nature,  between  such  an 
individual  and  the  members  of  the  church,  should  cease? 
Considered,  that  this  subject  has  been  often  before  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  and  the  views  of  the  brethren  then  were 
read.  But  on  the  particular  points  of  the  present  query, 
we  would  refer  our  dear  brethren  to  the  word  of  God, 
which  is  plain,  explicit,  and  sharper  than  a  two-edged 
sword.  Paul,  the  apostle,  says  (Rom.  XV.  4) :  "  Whatsoever 
things  were  written  aforetime,  were  written  for  our  learn- 
ing;" and  he  evidently  refers,  in  these  words,  to  the  writ- 
ings of  the  Old  Testament.  Now,  we  find  (Levit.  v.  17) : 
"  If  a  soul  sin,  and  commit  any  of  these  things,  which  are 
forbidden  to  be  done  by  the  commandments  of  the  Lord; 
though  he  wist  it  not,  yet  is  he  guilty,  and  shall  bear  his 


138  MINUTES    OF 

iniquity,  and  he  shall  bring  a  trespass-offering  unto  the 
priest,  and  it  shall  be  forgiven  him."  From  this  we  may 
learn,  that  when  a  member  has  trespassed  against  God  and 
the  truth,  even  in  ignorance,  it  is  his  duty  to  come  to  the 
church,  and  bring  his  trespass-offering,  such  as  David  says 
(Psalm  li.  17) :  "  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit; 
a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not  de- 
spise;" and  the  church,  which,  according  to  I.  Pet.  n.  9,  is 
"a  royal  priesthood,"  is  to  judge,  and  receive  his  offering, 
and  forgive  him  accordingly.  Here  are  the  words  of  Christ 
himself,  duly  to  be  considered  :  "  Whosesoever  sins  ye  re- 
mit, they  are  remitted  unto  them  ;  and  whosesoever  sins 
ye  retain,  they  are  retained."  John  xx.  23,  etc.  Should, 
however,  such  a  member,  that  hath  trespassed,  be  not  will- 
ing to  bring  his  offering  of  acknowledgment  of  his  fault, 
not  be  willing  to  hear  the  church,  then  we  may  consider 
this  as  a  rising,  a  scab,  or  bright  spot,  which,  eventually, 
may  turn  into  moral  leprosy  (Levit.  xin.  2),  and  in  this  case 
the  priest  (the  church)  had  to  shut  him  up;  for,  as  Paul 
says  (II.  Thess.  in.  6) :  "  Now  we  command  you,  brethren, 
in  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  ye  withdraw 
yourselves  from  every  brother  that  walketh  disorderly,"  etc.; 
and  as  our  Lord  taught  us  (Matt.  xvin.  17) :  "  If  he  neglect 
to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  a  heathen  man 
and  a  publican."  This  withdrawing,  or  shutting  up,  from 
close  communion  with  the  church,  in  the  salutation  of  the 
kiss,  the  breaking  of  bread,  and  the  secret  council,  is  con- 
tinued until  it  appears,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  priest  (the 
church),  whether  that  spot  is  leprosy  or  not.  Now  if,  on 
examination,  the  priest  found  that  white  spot  somewhat 
dark,  and  that  the  plague  did  not  spread  in  the  skin,  he  was 
to  pronounce  him  clean.  So,  when  a  member  begins  to  see 
and  acknowledge  his  fault,  as  somewhat  dark,  he  may  be 
reinstated  again  into  full  communion.  "  But  when  the  raw 
flesh  appeareth  in  him,  and  the  leprosy  is  thus  confirmed 
[N.  B. — He  shall  not  be  shut  up,  for  he  is  unclean],  and  the 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         139 

leper  in  whom  the  plague  is,  his  clothes  shall  be  rent,  and 
his  head  bare,  and  he  shall  put  a  covering  upon  his  upper 
lip,  and  shall  cry,  Unclean,  unclean ;  he  shall  dwell  alone, 
without  the  camp  shall  his  habitation  be."  Levit.  xih.  10, 
45,  46.  So  our  ancient  brethren  considered,  when  the 
moral  leprosy  in  a  member  was  confirmed  by  raw  works  of 
the  flesh,  such  as  are  described  (I.  Cor.  v.  11 ;  Gal.  V.  19-21, 
etc.),  that  the  direction  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  the  mouth 
of  the  Apostle  Paul,  was  to  be  strictly  and  literally  obeyed, 
viz. :  "  Not  to  keep  company,  and  with  such  an  one  not  to  cat" 
Our  brethren  were  well  aware  of  some  commentators  ex- 
plaining these  words,  as  if  they  meant  only  not  to  have 
fellowship  with  such  in  spiritual  matters,  and  not  to  eat 
with  them  the  bread  of  communion.  But  they  (our  breth- 
ren) found  it  impossible  to  believe,  that  the  church  at  Cor- 
inth should  have  continued,  in  full  fellowship,  such  a  per- 
son as  is  described  (I.  Cor.  v.  1) ;  that  they  should  have  still 
broken  the  bread  of  communion  with  him,  etc.,  even  until 
the  apostle  reproved  them  by  this  epistle.  They  (the  breth- 
ren) also  thought  of  the  awful  words  (Rev.  xxn.  18, 19),  and 
so  they  adhered  simply  to  the  word,  as  it  reads,  had  no  in- 
tercourse, no  dealings  of  any  kind,  with  such  persons,  and 
did  not  eat  with  them  at  the  same  table,  or  out  of  the  same 
dish,  at  any  common  meal,  while  they  were  in  this  state  of 
avoidance.  Only  acts  of  charity  toward  them  our  brethren 
did  not  consider  prohibited  by  the  word  of  God.  And 
these  views  we  still  hold,  in  communion  with  our  departed 
brethren. 

Art.  28.  "Whether  a  brother,  who  considers  himself  in- 
jured by  any  public  improvement,  such  as  a  turnpike,  or 
railroad,  passing  through  his  land,  can,  without  a  violation 
of  the  gospel,  make  use  of  the  provision  of  the  law,  which 
the  Government  has  enacted  for  the  recovery  of  damages 
in  such  cases?  Considered,  as  the  matter  has  been  fully 
stated,  that  it  would  not  be  a  violation  of  the  gospel  to 
make  use  of  the  provisions  of  the  law  in  such  cases. 


140  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  29.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  brother  solemnizes 
a  marriage  contract,  between  a  sister,  whose  first  husband 
is  not  known  to  be  dead,  and  another  individual  ?  Consid- 
ered, that  under  such  circumstances,  a  brother  ought  not  to 
act. 

Art.  80.  Whether  it  is  advisable  for  a  brother  to  preach 
universal  redemption  publicly  ;  that  is,  that  all  men,  how 
vile  soever  they  may  have  been,  shall  share  alike  in  the 
fruition  of  happiness  with  the  saints  ?  Considered,  that  we 
could  not  approve,  by  any  means,  of  such  preaching. 

Art.  31.  How  are  we  to  conduct,  with  colored  members, 
at  communions?  Considered,  that  this  ought  to  be  left  to 
the  individual  churches,  in  which  such  members  are,  only 
that  these  ought  not  to  be  debarred  from  the  Lord's  table, 
on  account  of  their  color. 

Art.  32.  Is  it  material  what  the  supper  is  composed  of 
at  communions  ?  Considered  best  not  to  deviate  from  the 
order  of  the  old  brethren. 

Art.  33.  Is  it  safe  and  proper  for  the  humble  followers 
of  Jesus  to  go  to  the  elections,  and  take  an  active  part  in 
the  political  affairs  of  the  country  ?  Considered,  as  it  was 
always  the  advice  of  the  old  brethren,  and  as  the  anointing 
(I.  John  ii.  27)  will  teach  every  sincere  follower  of  Jesus, 
that  it  would  be  safest,  in  regard  to  political  elections,  to 
remain  as  neutral  as  possible ;  and,  rather  than  going  to 
the  election,  to  commit  the  matter,  in  prayer,  to  the  care  of 
Him,  who  setteth  up  and  removeth  rulers. 

Art.  34.  Whether  a  brother,  beiug  elected  to  the  office  of 
-constable,  contrary  to  his  will,  would  be  justifiable  in  taking 
the  obligations  of  the  office,  and  transfer  it  to  another  per- 
son, who  will  discharge  the  whole  duties  of  said  office? 
Considered,  while  the  brother  would  have  to  be  under  oath, 
and  responsible  for  all  the  acts  of  his  substitute,  it  would 
not  be  safe  for  him  to  do  so. 

Art.  3o.  Whether  it  would  not  be  more  consistent  with 
the  Word,  if,  at  the  communion,  the  administrator  would 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  141 

give  the  bread  and  cup  to  the  sisters,  and  they  divide  it, 
like  the  brethren,  among  themselves,  and  the  administrator 
to  pass  along,  to  keep  order  ?  Considered,  unanimously,  to 
go  on,  in  celebrating  the  communion,  as  heretofore. 

Art.  36.  Has  a  bishop  authority  to  request  a  deacon,  who 
moved  into  his  church  without  a  letter  of  recommendation 
from  the  church  from  which  he  came,  to  take  his  place  at 
a  meeting  for  worship,  and  to  preach  or  exhort?  Consid- 
ered, that  he  has  no  such  authority,  and  the  members  that 
move  from  one  church  into  another,  ought  always  to  bring 
a  certificate  of  their  membership  and  standing. 

Art.  37.  If  a  member  commits  an  open  fault  in  the  world, 
has  the  overseer  authority  to  send  brethren  to  investigate 
the  matter  before  counseling  the  church  ?  Considered, 
that  the  overseer  has  the  authority  to  do  so. 

Art.  38.  Whether  our  hymn-books,  now  in  use,  could 
not  be  improved,  by  a  better  selection?  Considered,  that 
the  hymn-books  we  have,  answer  our  purpose  very  well. 

Art.  39.  Whether  it  would  not  be  more  according  to  the 
gospel,  in  the  observance  of  feet-washing,  for  the  brother, 
at  the  head  of  the  table,  to  wash  and  wipe  the  feet  of  the 
brother  on  his  right  hand,  and  that  brother  to  wash  and 
wipe  the  feet  of  the  next,  and  so  on,  around  the  table? 
Considered,  that  as  this  question  has  so  often  been  before 
the  council,  and  that  the  manner  of  its  observance  could 
not  be  amended,  we  are  still  of  the  opinion,  that  the  com- 
mand is  fully  obeyed,  if  we  wash  our  feet  among  one  an- 
other, as  rendered  by  the  German  translation  ;  but  we  would 
recommend  to  each  brother  and  sister,  at  the  earliest  oppor- 
tunity, to  obey  the  command  to  wash,  and  that  in  washing, 
the  members  should  change  frequently. 

Art.  40.  How  are  we  to  proceed,  if  a  brother  is  not  will- 
ing to  be  visited  by  the  church,  in  which  he  lives,  but 
claims  to  belong  to  another?  Considered,  that  we  should 
always  be  subject  to  the  church,  or  district,  to  which  we 
belong,  as  those  districts  are  only  laid  off  for  convenience, 
and  not  to  divide  the  body. 


142  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  41.  Concerning  the  propriety,  or  necessity,  of  giv- 
ing meals  to  the  congregation,  at  common  meetings?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  leave  this  matter  altogether  discretionary 
to  every  individual,  church,  or  family. 

Art.  42.  How  to  prevent  the  influence  of  phrenology 
and  mesmerism  among  the  brethren,  adverting  to  the  cau- 
tion of  Paul  to  the  church  at  Colossus  (Col.  n.  8) :  "  Beware, 
lest  any  man  spoil  you,  through  philosophy  and  vain  de- 
ceit?" Considered,  that  the  brethren  could,  and  should, 
otherwise  be  better  engaged. 

Art.  43.  "Whether  each  elder,  teacher,  and  visiting  brother, 
should  not  have  the  privilege  of  having  a  copy  of  the  min- 
utes of  the  Yearly  Meeting?  Considered,  that  we  are  in 
favor  for  each  ministering  brother  to  have  a  copy,  and  that 
they  be  advised  to  keep  them,  if  possible,  from  coming  be- 
fore the  world;  and  we  should  further  recommend,  that 
they  should  be  sent  sealed,  as  we  have  known  them  to  be 
opened  in  post-offices. 

Art.  44.  Would  it  not  be  more  consistent  with  the  sim- 
plicity of  the  gospel  not  to  use  the  word  "  delegate,"  or 
"representative,"  in  the  minutes?  Considered,  that  as 
words  convey  ideas,  we  should  use  such  as  shall  best  answer 
that  purpose. 

Art.  45.  Whether  it  would  not  be  best,  at  our  Annual 
Meetings,  for  the  committee  to  investigate  the  letters  on 
Saturday,  in  order  that  the  business  might  be  more  readily 
disposed  of  on  Monday?  Considered,  that  the  present 
arrangement  is  probably  as  good  as  we  could  adopt. 

Art.  46.  Where  is  our  next  Annual  Meeting  to  be? 
Invitations  were  sent  from  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  for 
the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1850,  and  from  Virginia,  and  Augh- 
wick,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1851;  and 
it  was  concluded,  that  our  next  Annual  Meeting  should 
take  place,  God  willing,  on  Pentecost,  1850,  at  Bear  Creek, 
Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  and  that  our  brethren  in  Vir- 
ginia are  considered  to  have  the  first  claim  for  the  year  fol- 
lowing, if  the  invitation  be  repeated. 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  143 

Signed,  in  the  name  of  the  meeting,  by  (order  of)  the 
following  ordained  elders :  Geo.  Hoke,  J.  Showalter,  Henry 
Kurtz,  Peter  Nead,  A.  Spanogle,  J.  Molsbaugh,  Peter  Long, 
John  Kline,  Jacob  Sayler,  Samuel  Wampler,  Peter  Kober, 
Jacob  Meyer,  Daniel  Yundt,  George  Shafer,  Joh.Holsiuger, 
Jac.  Stutzman,  D.  Shoemaker,  Jos.  Arnold,  Thos.  Clarke. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1850. 

After  the  public  exercises  were  concluded,  the  brethren 
met  in  general  council,  which  was  opened,  as  usual,  with 
singing,  exhortation,  and  prayer,  and  the  following  queries 
were  submitted  for  consideration,  and  decided,  as  follows: 

Article  1.  A  request  that  counsel  be  given  to  the  church 
on  Eel  River,  Indiana,  in  order  that  the  difficulties  there 
existing  might  be  settled.  Concluded,  that  inasmuch  as  the 
said  church  is  in  an  unreconciled  state  toward  one  another, 
this  meeting  doth  appoint  Brethren  Peter  Nead,  David 
Bowman,  jun.,  Daniel  Miller,  and  Abr.  Ehrbaugh,  of  Ohio, 
and  Jacob  Miller,  James  H.  Tracey,  and  David  Hardman, 
of  Indiana,  as  a  committee,  to  visit  said  church,  and  assist 
in  settling  the  existing  difficulties. 

Art.  2.  How  it  is  considered,  inasmuch  as  our  beloved 
brother,  Henry  Kurtz,  is  not  present  at  this  meeting,  for  to 
appoint  a  committee,  to  have  the  minutes  of  this  meeting 
printed,  and  to  receive  all  moneys  appropriated  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  printing?  It  has  been  agreed  upon,  by  this 
meeting,  that  Bro.  Benjamin  Bowman,  of  Virginia,  Daniel 
Summer,  of  Ohio,  and  David  Hardman,  of  Indiana,  be  this 
committee. 

Art.  3.  The  number  of  papers  handed  to  the  committee 
of  elders,  amounted  to  fifty-five,  which  were  distributed 
among  twelve  committees,  to  investigate  them,  and  report 
thereon. 


144  MINUTES    OF 

The  first  committee,  consisting  of  Bretnren  George  But- 
terbaugh,  John  Myer,  John  Bower,  Joseph  Hard  man,  and 
Jacob  Funderburg,  reported  as  follows: 

Art.  4.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  sister  marries  an  unbe- 
lieving husband,  who  afterward  doth  ill-treat  her,  by  slan- 
der and  debauchery,  and,  in  many  ways,  abuses  and  grieves 
her,  so  as  to  forbid  and  prohibit  her  going  to  meeting,  or  to 
any  of  her  friends  and  relations;  she  then, upon  the  advice 
of  her  friends  (members  of  the  church),  leaves  him,  and 
tries-  to  get  rid  of  him  by  law,  upon  which  he  offers  to  give 
himself  up  to  the  church,  and  is  willing  to  do  what  the 
church  lays  upon  him,  acknowledged  that  he  has  done 
wickedly,  and  promises  to  do  better;  but  he  having  made 
such  promises  before,  and  did  not  come  up  to  them,  the 
friends  of  the  sister  do  not  think  it  proper  for  her  to  unite 
with  him  again  ?  Considered,  that  we  could  not  advise  the 
sister  to  leave  her  husband ;  but  if  she  did  so,  she  ought  to 
remain  unmarried,  according  to  Paul's  writing  to  the  Corin- 
thians (I.  Cor.  Vll.  11-13). 

Art.  5.  Whether  it  is  right  for  brethren,  in  different  arms 
of  the  church,  to  go  against  the  counsel  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  ?  Considered,  that  it  is  wrong  for  brethren  to  go 
against  the  counsel  of  our  great  Annual  Meetings.  But 
should  brethren  not  be  satisfied  with  said  counsel,  they  have 
liberty,  with  the  consent  of  their  church,  to  bring  the  mat- 
ter before  another  Yearly  Meeting,  for  a  reconsideration. 

Art.  6.  A  request  that  the  regular  order  of  choosing 
teachers  among  the  brethren,  should  be  entered  at  large  on 
the  minutes  of  this  Yearly  Meeting,  so  as  to  counteract 
wrong  impressions,  derived  from  certain  publications.  Re- 
ferred to  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

The  second  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Jacob 
Miller,  Christian  Arnold,  Leo.  Blickensterfer,  Abraham 
Frantz,  and  Em.  Beeghley,  reported  as  follows : 

Art.  7.  Is  a  brother,  being  a  full  member  in  the  church, 
allowed  to  purchase  cattle,  and  other  animals,  and  follow 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         145 

butchering,  hire,  or  rent,  a  stall  in  a  market-house,  and  at- 
tend market,  as  a  butcher,  every  market  morning?  Con- 
sidered, that  a  brother  engaged  in  butchering,  in  the  man- 
ner stated  in  the  question,  is  surrounded  with  many  diffi- 
culties and  temptations,  and  that  we  would  advise  brethren 
not  to  do  so. 

Art.  8.  If  a  brother,  or  sister,  commit  a  gross  crime, 
such  as  getting  drunk,  etc.,  can  it  -be  settled,  by  any  visit- 
ing brethren,  without  bringing  it  before  the  church,  or 
what  course  is  to  be  pursued  la  such  cases  ?  Considered, 
that  a  brother,  or  sister,  guhty  of  a  crime,  as  set  forth  in 
the  question,  should  be  brought  before  the  church,  agreea- 
ble to  Paul's  first  letter  to  Timothy  (chap.  v.  20):  "Them 
that  sin,  rebuke  before  all,  that  others,  also,  may  fear." 

Art.  9.  Is  it  allowed  for  a  brother  to  fulfill  a  worldly 
office,  especially  one  that  holds  an  office  in  the  church ;  and 
if  not,  what  is  the  proper  course  to  proceed  with  such  a 
brother  ?  Considered,  that  we  could  not  advise  brethren  to 
crave  worldly  offices;  but  if  the  people  of  the  world  should 
impose  an  office  on  any  of  our  brethren,  they  should,  before 
acting  in  such  office,  lay  the  matter  before  the  church,  and 
act  agreeable  to  the  counsel  of  the  same. 

Art.  10.  Whether  we  can  hold,  as  members,  man  and 
wife,  that  live  together  in  strife,  that  have  been  parted  on 
that  account,  and  now  live  together,  but  not  as  man  wife 
should?  Considered,  that  We  could  not  hold  such  as  mem- 
bers. 

The  third  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Geo.  Hoover, 
Thomas  Clark,  Ab.  Maas,  Jacob  Garver,  Isaac  Lawshe,  and 
John  P.  Ebersole,  reported  as  follows : 

Art.  11.  Request  of  next  Annual  Meeting  to  be  held 
with  our  brethren,  in  Augusta  County,  Virginia.  Agreed 
upon.     (See  at  the  end). 

Art.  12.  How  it  is  considered,  when  a  man  leaves  his 
wife,  and  then  marries  an  excluded  t  sister,  and  afterward 
moves  a  considerable  distance,  where  their  standing  is  not 
10 


146  MINUTES    OF 

generally  known;  there  he  makes  application  to  be  received 
into  the  church,  asserting  that  his  first  wife  had  committed 
fornication,  without  any  other  testimony  but  his  own  ;  then 
a  letter  is  written  to  the  church,  where  the  sister  was  ex- 
cluded, for  counsel,  which  is  answered,  advising  to  admon- 
ish her  to  love  the  church,  until  the  Lord  may  bring  about 
a  way  for  her  reception,  stating,  also,  that  they  could 
frankly  forgive  her  what  she  had  been  excluded  for;  the 
letter  further  stating,  that  there  was  a  report  that  her  hus- 
band's first  wife  was  dead,  and  another,  that  she  was  not. 
Finally,  he  was  baptized,  and  she  received  again,  as  a  sis- 
ter, without  testimony,  by  the  voice  of  one  minister  and 
twenty-one  private  members,  in  favor,  and  one  minister, 
with  three  private  members,  opposed  to  their  reception  ? 
Considered,  that  such  persons  should  not  be  received  into 
the  church,  under  such  circumstances,  and  that  the  breth- 
ren, who  received  them,  have  erred,  and  should  make  ac- 
knowledgments before  the  church,  in  order  to  the  recon- 
ciliation of  those  brethren,  who  havebeen  grieved  at  their 
proceedings. 

"Art.  13.  Whether  brethren,  being  requested,  should  visit 
and  pray  for  persons  living  in  a  state  of  adultery  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  they  should  be  visited,  instructed,  and  admon- 
ished, and  as  they  manifest  fruits  of  repentance,  or  not, 
pray  for  them,  according  to  their  state. 

Art.  14.  Whether  the  eighth  query  of  last  year's  Annual 
Meeting  was  not  jfully  decided  in  the  eighth  query  of  ttie 
Annual  Meeting  of  1848,  which,  if  carried  out,  would  fully 
answer  the  purpose  ?     Referred  to  next  Annual  Meeting. 

The  fourth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  James 
Kelso,  John  Metzger,  Dan.  Miller,  on  Four-Mile,  Phil. 
Kothenberger,  and  David  Studybecker,"reported  as  follows : 

Art.  15.  "Whether  it  is  according  to  the  gospel  for  a 
church  to  lay  a  public  acknowledgment  on  a  brother  that 
has  made  a  public  offense?  Considered,  that  the  ac- 
knowledgment is  to  be  made  before  the  church  alone,  and 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         147 

before  all  the  members  present.  (See  I.  Tim.  v.  20) :  "  Them 
that  sin  rebuke  before  all,  that  others  also  may  fear." 

Art.  16.  "What  is  the  duty  of  a  minister,  when  called 
upon  to  solemnize  marriage,  when  one  of  the  parties  is  the 
child  of  members,  and  these  parents  not  consenting  to  the 
match,  yet  the  minister  knows  of  no  other  objection  but 
the  daughter's  going  from  home  to  get  married  ?  Consid- 
ered, as  not  advisable  without  the  consent  of  the  parents. 
Paul  says,  "  If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live 
peaceably  with  all  men."     Rom.  xn.  18  ;  Heb.  xn.  14. 

Art.  17.  How  it  is  considered,  when  a  sister  has  an  un- 
believing husband,  who  gets  drunk  and  abuses  her,  and 
tempts  to  kill  her  with  an  ax ;  she  then  leaves  him  and 
returns  to  her  father,  who  then  goes  to  the  housekeeper  in 
the  church  for  advice,  upon  whose  advice  a  bill  of  divorce 
is  obtained?  Considered,  that  a  housekeeper  has  no  right 
to  give  such  advice,  without  counseling  the  church,  neither 
has  the  sister  a  right  to  get  divorced  without  such  counsel. 
(See  Matt.  xix.  6-9 ;  I.  Cor.  vn.  11.) 

The  fifth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  John  Leth- 
erman,  Thomas  Major,  Isaac  Hartzock,  Henry  ISTetY,  and 
•Jacob  Ebersole,  reported  as  follows  : 

Art.  18.  Would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  Holy 
Writ,  and  the  consistent  manner  of  a  plain  people,  to  use 
the  plain  language,  especially  calling  the  days  and  months 
by  their  number  ?  Considered  nearer  the  gospel  to  use 
plain  language. 

Art.  19.  Whether  it  would  be  agreeable  to  the  order  of 
the  church,  where  there  is  a  bishop  and  two  or  more  teach- 
ing brethren  in  one  arm  of  the  church,  to  elect  a  bishop 
without  the  consent  of  the  church  ?  Considered,  necessary, 
by  all  means,  to  have  the  voice  of  the  church  in  such  cases. 

Art.  20.  If  a  member  commits  a  fault,  whether  the  church 
has  the  power,  according  to  the  gospel,  to  put  that  mem- 
ber in  avoidance  without  the  assistance  of  another  church  ? 


148  MINUTES    OF 

Considered,  that,  if  there  is  a  bishop  in  that  church,  they 
have  the  power  in  the  case  of  a  private  member. 

Art.  21  Whether  there  is  any  danger  to  be  apprehended 
from  publishing  a  paper  among  us  ?  This  subject  to  lay 
over  till  next  Annual  Meeting. 

The  tenth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  David  Mil- 
ler, Abraham  Erbaugh,  Jacob  Wine,  Daniel  Nare,  and 
Peter  Showalter,  reported  as  follows  : 

Art.  22.  Whether  the  committees  could  not  be  selected, 
and  the  questions  taken  in,  at  our  Annual  Meetings,  on 
Saturday,  as  well  as  on  Monday?  Considered,  to  leave  it 
as  it  is  at  present. 

Art.  23.  If  a  woman  leaves  her  husband  for  his  extreme 
cruelty,  and  he  obtains  a  bill  of  divorce  and  marries  an- 
other woman,  and  his  first  wife  afterward  marries'  another 
man,  both  being  unbelievers,  can  such  persons  be  received 
into  the  church  of  Christ,  according  to  the  gospel  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  could  not  receive  such,  according  to  the 
gospel.     Rom.  vn.  1-3;  I.  Cor.  vn.  10,  11,  39. 

The  sixth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  John  H'rantz, 
George  Studybecker,  John  Hunsicker,  Benjamin  Byerly, 
and  Christian  Long,  reported  as  follows  : 

Art.  24.  Can  a  member  that  is  cut  off,  and  kept  in 
avoidance,  be  afterward  released  again  from  the  bonds  of 
excommunication,  without  acknowledging  the  fault,  or 
without  coming  and  requesting  to  be  released  ;  and  in  case 
members  are  released  without  confessing  their  fault,  or 
desiring  to  be  released,  how  shall  other  members  conduct 
themselves  toward  them  ?  Considered,  that,  where  a  mem- 
ber has  committed  one  of  those  faults  mentioned  by  the 
Apostle  Paul  (I.  Cor.  v.),  and  has  been  put  in  avoidance, 
the  church  having  sufficient  evidence  that  he  has  ceased 
from  those  evils,  and  by  his  earnest  request,  he  may  be  re- 
leased out  of  the  bonds  of  avoidance. 

Art.  25.  There  is  a  body  of  people,  or  brethren,  in  the 
far  West,  whose  doctrine  and  practice  is  somewhat  differ- 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  149 

•ent  from  ours.  Some  of  our  brethren  live  near,  or  almost 
among  them.  Now,  the  question  arises,  are  the  brethren 
privileged,  according  to  the  gospel,  to  hold  communion 
with  them,  under  existing  circumstances?  Considered, 
that,  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  constant  practice  of 
the  church,  it  would  not  be  advisable  for  brethren  to  com- 
mune with  them,  until  a  union  is  effected,  and  they  are 
agreed  to  practice  according  to  the  ancient  order  of  the 
church.     I.  Cor.  IV.  17. 

Art.  26.  Why  the  Annual  Meeting  was  not  conducted, 
or  carried  out,  according  to  the  order  or  plan  laid  down  at 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  1817  ?  Considered,  that  the  querists 
shall  be  referred  to  the  Minutes  of  Yearly  Meeting,  1848, 
Art.  29,  where  twelve  letters  are  mentioned,  which  con- 
tained chiefly  remonstrances  against  said  plan. 

Art.  27.  About  the  laying  on  of  hands,  on  deacons,  when 
installed  into  office?  Considered,  that  the  brethren,  after 
a  long  continued  and  attentive  investigation  of  the  word 
of  God,  on  this  agitating  subject  in  question,  have  come  to 
the  following  conclusion : 

Whereas,  it  is  plain,  from  the  acts  and  proceedings  of 
the  apostles,  that  there  must  have  been  deacons  in  those 
days,  and  that  these  deacons  must  have  been  active  in  their 
office,  before  the  seven  teachers  or  evangelists  were  chosen 
and  installed  into  their  office  (See  Acts  ir.  45,  and  iv.  35) : 
"Distribution  was  made  unto  every  man,  according  as  he 
had  need" — from  which  we  conclude,  if  distributions  were 
made  to  every  man,  there  must,  of  course,  have  been  those 
that  made  them ;  hence,  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  brethren, 
in  this  council  assembled,  that  the  seven  chosen  and  set  be- 
fore the  apostles  (Acts  vi.  6)  were  selected  from  among,  as  we 
might  say,  the  first  class  of  teachers  (See  Acts  vi.  3,  8 ;  viii. 
6,  7,  36-38  ;  xxi.  8),  and  hands  laid  on  them  by  the  apostles, 
to  establish  them,  to  settle  the  difficulty  that  had  arisen 
among  the  deacons  about  the  daily  ministrations,  and  that 
the  seven  were  not  deacons  in  the  restricted  sense  of  the 


150  MINUTES    OF 

word,  and  were  never  called  such — the  word  deacon  never 
once  occurring  in  the  whole  book  of  Acts.*  Therefore, 
the  laying  on  of  hands  ought  to  be  practiced  on  such  old 
teachers  that  are  set  apart,  and  deacons  ought  to  be  re- 
ceived into  their  office  by  hand  and  kiss,  as  the  practice  has 
been  hitherto  with  the  brethren.  The  English  version  con- 
tains the  word  deacon  twice  more  (I.  Tim.  in.  10,  13),  but 
the  Greek  original  has  not  the  same  word,  and  the  German 
translation  is  more  correct  in  these  two  instances,  saying, 
literally  (verse  10),  "  'then  let  them  serve,  being  found  faith- 
ful ;"  (verse  13),  "  For  they  that  serve  well,  purchase  to  them- 
selves a  good  degree,"  etc. 

The  seventh  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Abra- 
ham Miller,  Joseph  Harter,  David  Mishler,  Henry  Bear, 
and  Moses  Shoup,  reported  as  follows : 

Art.  28.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  district  or  church 
do  not  observe  the  ancient  order  of  the  brethren,  and  have 
new  orders  among  them?  Concluded,  that  no  district 
church  has  any  right  to  make  changes  in  any  thing  what- 
soever, contrary  to  the  ancient  order,  without  proper  inves- 
tigation before,  and  the  general  consent  of,  the  Annual 
Meeting. 

Art.  29.  Is  a  member,  brother  or  sister,  not  as  justifiable 
in  buying  lottery  tickets  as  in  purchasing  bank  stock,  or 
taking  eight  or  ten  per  cent,  interest  on  money  loaned  to  a 
brother?  Considered,  that  buying  lottery  tickets  is  veiy 
wrong ;  taking  more  than  lawful  interest  is  worse  still,  and 
taking  stock  in  a  bank  ought  to  be  avoided,  also,  by  breth- 
ren.    (One  wrong  can  never  justify  another.) 

The  eighth  committee,  consisting   of  Brethren   David 

*  The  word  deacon  (Greek  diakonos)  occurs  about  thirty  times  in 
the  New  Testament,  and  is  rendered  in  the  common  English  version 
twenty  times  minister,  seven  times  servant,  and  only  three  times  deacon* 
(See  Matt.  xx.  26,  xxn.  13,  xxm.  11  ;  Mark  ix.  35,  x.  43 ;  John  n.  5,  9, 
xn.  26;  Rom.  xin.  4  (twice),  xv.  8,  xvi.  1 ;  I.  Cor.  in.  5  ;  II.  Cor.  in.  6, 
vi.  4,  xi.  15  (twice),  and  23;  Gal.  n.  17  ;  Eph.  in.  7,  VI.  21 ;  Phil.  i.  1 ;  Col* 
"i,  7,  23,  25,  IV.  7 ;  I.  Thess.  in.  2 ;  I.  Tim.  m.  8,  12,  iv.  6. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  151 

Ulrey,  John  Molsbaugh,jElias  Dicky,  Philip  W ampler,  and 

D.  Summer,  reported  as  follows : 

Art.  30.  "Who  are  the  proper  persons  in  the  church  to 
administer  the  ordinance  recorded  by  James  (v.  14)  ?  Con- 
sidered, the  bishops,  or  ordained  elders. 

Art.  31.  Is  there  any  second  order  in  the  church,  who 
may  administer  the  above  ordinance  in  cases  of  great  and 
pressing  necessity,  when  the  proper  administrators  can  not 
be  had  in  time  for  the  urgency  of  the  case?  Considered, 
in  such  case,  brethren  in  less  office,  if  at  least  one  of  them 
is  authorized  to  baptize,  might  serve. 

Art.  32.  May  the  above  ordinance  be  administered  to  a 
person  who  is  not  a  member  of  the  church,  although  sol- 
emnly believing  in  the  healing  virtues  of  the  above,  both 
spiritual  and  bodily,  and  requesting  the  church  ;  such  per- 
son being  in  a  dangerous  situation,  having  shown  fruits  of 
repentance,  and  perfect  willingness,  if  spared,  to  bow  under 
the  order  of  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  it  could  not 
be  done,  but  that  we  are  to  direct  them  to  the  grace  and 
mercy  of  God. 

The  ninth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Daniel 
Miller,  of  Ohio,  Philip  Earner,  Martin  Miller,  John  Pfoutz, 
and  John  Eller,  reported  as  follows  : 

^  Art.  33.  Whether  members,  who  have  been  put  in  avoid- 
ance, can  be  released  without  their  request  ?  Considered, 
that  they  can  not. 

Art.  14.  Would  it  not  be  better,  and  more  correspond- 
ent with  the  gospel,  if  the  brethren  would  hold  the  Lord's 
Supper  more  in  unison  with  each  other;  for  it  appears 
that  some  have  bread  and  cheese,  and  some  have  meat  and 
soup,  etc.?     Considered,  that  uniformity  would  be  better. 

Art.  35.  If  a  brother  transgress,  so  as  to  be  deemed 
guilty  of  avoidance,  should  he  not  be  cited  to  appear  be- 
fore the  church,  in  the  presence  of  the  witnesses,  to  hear 
the  testimony  given  V  Considered,  that  he  ought  to  be 
particularly  requested  to  attend. 


152  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  36.  In  case  such  member  be  found  guilty,  by  whom 
should  he  be  informed?  Concluded,  that  this  is  a  duty  in- 
cumbent on  the  ordained  brethren. 

Art.  37.  If  it  is  proven,  by  two  or  three  brethren,  that 
a  brother  has  been  drinking  to  excess,  yet  not  so  much  as 
to  disable  him  from  keeping  on  his  feet,  but  has  often  be- 
fore been  charged,  and  also  before  been  set  back  or  put  in 
avoidance,  aud  still  denies  the  charge,  would  he  not  come 
under  the  class  of  drunkards,  or  would  it  be  prudent  to 
hold  him  as  a  brother,  or  should  he  be  expelled  by  the 
proof  of  four  or  five  witnesses,  though  not  members  of  the 
church  ?  Considered,  that  no  member  should  be  put  in 
avoidance  without  positive  proof,  from  members,  that  he  or 
she  has  been  guilty  of  one  of  those  sins  mentioned  by  Paul 
(I.  Cor.  v.  11). 

Art.  38.  Have  we  a  sufficient  right,  according  to  the 
gospel,  to  put  a  man  in  avoidance  who  has  already  been 
put  back  from  the  kiss,  the  communion,  and  the  council, 
and  disowned  as  a  brother?  Considered,  that  the  church 
has  the  power  to  do  so. 

The  eleventh  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  Daniel 
J  ordan,  Abraham  Witmer,  Jacob  Metzger,  Abraham  Flory, 
and  John  Roberts,  reported  as  follows  : 

Art.  39.  How  is  it  considered,  when  there  is  a  regular 
meeting  in  rotation  in  a  district,  and  a  meeting  is  requested 
by  people  who  are  yet  without  the  church,  regularly  every 
four  or  six  weeks?  Considered,  that  a  meeting  maybe 
held  at  the  house  of  any  one  that  is  friendly  to  the  Breth- 
ren, on  his  request,  if  not  interfering  with  other  appoint- 
ments. 

Art.  40.  Whether  an  ordained  brother,  who  had  been 
once  in  avoidance,  can  be  restored  again  to  his  full  office? 
Considered,  that  a  brother  can  be  restored  again  to  his  full 
office  by  the  voice  of  the  church  (as  in  a  choice). 

Art.  41.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  be  appointed  and 
sent  to  investigate  a  difficulty  existing  in  the  Mansfield 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        153 

congregation.  Considered,  that  this  meeting  sees  fit  to 
nominate  Brethren  John  Frautz,  Dauiei  Jordan,  John 
Molsbaugh,  and  John  Shoemaker,  as  the  committee  for 
that  purpose. 

The  twelfth  committee,  consisting  of  Brethren  John 
Shively,  Michel  Myer,  Chr.  Wise,  Rudolph  Mohler,  and 
Jacob  Studybecker,  reported  as  follows  : 

Art.  42.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  the  brethren 
to  recommend  to  the  churches  a  day  of  fasting,  to  be  ob- 
served annually,  and  to  have  it  published  in  the  Minutes 
of  the  Annual  Meeting?  Considered,  inasmuch  as  the 
gospel  teaches  us  to  fast  and  pray,  to  always  pray,  and 
never  faint ;  and  the  Great  Teacher  says,  a  certain  species 
of  evil  spirits  can  not  be  cast  out  but  by  fasting  and  prayer, 
we  hope  that  every  Christian  shepherd  will  teach  his  flock 
to  pray  and  fast  oftener  than  once  a  year,  as  we  do  not 
know  the  time  when  he  that  goeth  about  as  a  roaring  lion 
may  tempt  or  deceive  us. 

Art.  43.  AVhy  is  it,  that  on  our  yearly  visits,  we  ask  the 
husband  of  a  sister,  who  himself  is  not  a  member  of  the 
church,  if  he  knows  any  thing  against  any  member;  yet 
we  are  not  to  receive  his  evidence  in  council  against  a 
member?  Considered,  that  it  is  true,  what  Paul  says, 
"What  have  I  to  do  with  those  out  of  the  church?"  yet 
this  does  not  prevent  us  from  that  which  is  no  more  than  an 
act  of  courtesy  toward  the  husband  of  a  beloved  sister  in 
the  Lord.     (See  Phil.  iv.  8.) 

Art.  44.  A  request  from  the  brethren  in  northern  Indi- 
ana for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1852.  Considered,  to  be 
left  for  decision  of  next  Annual  Meeting. 

In  conclusion,  it  is  to  be  repeated,  that  our  next  Annual 
Meeting  will  be,  God  willing,  at  the  Brick  meeting-house, 
near  ]\"ew  Hope,  Augusta  County,  Virginia,  to  begin  on 
Saturday  before  Pentecost,  A.  1).  1851.  Addresses  to  be 
made,  if  necessary,  to  Bro.  John  Gerber,  Xew  Hope,  or 


154  MINUTES    OF 

Bro.  Peter  Miller,  Mount  Sidney,  all  in  Augusta  County, 
Virginia. 

The  business  of  this  meeting  being  disposed  of,  a  song 
of  praise  was  sung,  and  the  meeting  closed,  as  usual,  with 
prayer. 

Signed  by  the  following  elders : 

The  general  committee—  George  Hoke,  Peter  Nead,  James 
Tracey,  Samuel  Gerber,  Joseph  Gerber,  John  Brower,  Benj. 
Bowman,  Daniel  Yundt,  Dan.  Bernhard. 

Other  elders — Jacob  Miller,  of  St.  Joseph,  Geo.  Hoover, 
David  Hardman,  John  Myer,  J.  Leatherman,  John  Shively, 
Henry  JSTeff,  John  Hart,  Joseph  Harter,  David  Miller,  of 
St.  Joseph. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1851. 

Friday  evening  the  traveling  brethren  arrived  in  the 
neighborhood,  and  on  Saturday  morning  public  worship  be- 
gan, and  was  continued  until  Sunday  afternoon,  under  a 
great  press  of  the  people.  On  Monday  and  Tuesday  the 
business  of  the  council-meeting  was  taken  in  hand,  and 
gone  through.  The  chief  points,  which  occurred,  were'as 
follows : 

Article  1.  A  letter  from  East  Tennessee/  Knob  Creek 
Church,  concerning  a  confusion  and  division  in  that  church. 
Concluded,  that  a  committee  should  be  appointed  by  the 
Yearly  'Meeting,  to  go  to  East  Tennessee,  to  assist  the 
brethren  there  in  adjusting  their  difficulties;  and  that  this 
committee,  and  others  of  the  same  character,  should  be 
appointed  by  the  general  committee. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  for  this  Dusiness, 
viz.:  Benj.  Bowman,  John  Hershberger,  John  Kline,  and 
Daniel  Brower,  all  of  Kockingham,  and  Benj.  Moomaw,  of 
Roanoke,  Virginia. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        155 

Art.  2.  A  query,  whether  it  is  right  to  burden  brethren 
with  paying  postage,  for  letters  sent  by  mail,  they  being  not 
interested  in  the  same?  Considered,  that  brethren  should 
pay  postage  in  advance,  when  sending  letters  to  get  infor- 
mation for  their  own  benefit,  in  all  cases. 

Art.  3.  A  query,  whether  it  is  right  for  brethren  to  dis- 
miss the  congregation,  by  pronouncing  a  blessing  over  the 
people  ?  Considered,  that  inasmuch  as  we  have  neither 
command,  nor  example,  from  our  great  High  Priest  and  his 
apostles,  of  pronouncing  a  blessing  upon  the  people,  and 
inasmuch  as  preachers  are  as  needy  of  blessings  as  their 
hearers,  for  which  we  ask  in  our  prayers,  after  sermon,  we 
would  deem  it  more  unassuming,  and  more  agreeable  to 
humility,  to  follow  the  footsteps  of  our  ancient  brethren, 
as  they  followed  Christ. 

Art.  4.  A  request,  from  brethren  in  Shelby  County, 
Ohio,  for  a  committee  to  examine  into  the  proceedings  of 
the  Logan  Church  in  a  case  of  excommunication.  Con- 
cluded, that  Brethren  George  Shively  and  Joseph  Showal- 
ter,  of  Stark,  John  Molsbaugh,of  Knox,  John  Shoemaker, 
of  Mohegan,  and  Jacob  Kurtz,  of  Wayne  County,  be  a 
committee  to  visit  said  churches  in  Logan  and  Shelby. 

Art.  5.  A  letter  about  the  difficulties  in  Salomony  Church, 
Indiana.  Concluded,  that  Brethren  John  Miller,  of  Elk- 
hart, Henry  Keff,  of  Turkey  Creek,  Dav.  Shoemaker,  of 
Huntingdon,  Nichol.  Frantz,  of  Eel  River,  Abraham  Moss 
and  John  Bowman,  of  Wayne  County,  be  a  committee  to 
visit  said  church. 

Art.  6.  A  query  concerning  the  ordaining  of  elders. 
Considered,  that  the  ordination  of  elders  is  of  the  utmost 
importance  to  the  church,  and  should  always  be  under  the 
special  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  who  will  teach  and 
remind  a  church  of  the  right  person  and  the  proper  time 
for  ordination  ;  that  there  should  be  a  full  union  of  the 
church,  and  the  elders  present,  on  the  subject;  and  that 
where  there  is  any  serious  objection,  according  to  the  word 


156  MINUTES    OF 

of  God  (see  I.  Tim.  in.  1-7;  Titus  I.  7),  the  elders  and  the 
church  should  be  cautious  to  proceed,  if  the  objection  could 
not  be  removed. 

Art.  7.  Should  brethren  have  the  privilege  to  put  up 
lightning-rods?  Considered,  that  we  would  not  advise 
brethren  to  do  so;  nor  would  we  say  to  those  who  have 
them,  to  take  them  down  ;  but  advise  all  our  dear  brethren 
to  bear  with  each  other  in  such  matters,  and  try  to  put  their 
chief  trust  in  God. 

Art.  8.  "What  is  the  opinion  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  with 
regard  to  having  a  paper  published,  under  the  title,  "  The 
Monthly  Gospel  Visitor?"  Considered,  at  this  council, 
that  we  will  not  forbid  Bro.  Henry  Kurtz  to  go  on  with 
the  paper  for  one  year;  and  that  all  the  brethren  or 
churches  will  impartially  examine  the  "Gospel  Visitor," 
and  if  found  wrong,  or  injurious,  let  them  send  in  their  ob- 
jections at  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  9.  Would  it  not  be  better  to  alter  the  plan  of  hold- 
ing our  Annual  Meeting,  so  as  to  have  no  public  preaching, 
but  only  a  church  council-meeting  ?  Considered,  that  at 
this  time  we  would  make  no  more  alteration  but  this,  that 
instead  of  meeting  on  Friday,  and  having  public  meeting 
on  Saturday  and  Sunday,  we  will  come  together  on  Satur- 
day evening,  and  meeting  to  commence  on  Sunday  morn- 
ing, and  to  be  no  communion  meeting  at  the  place  of  the 
Annual  Meeting;  the  council-meeting  then  to  commence 
on  Tuesday  morning. 

Art.  10.  Would  it  be  proper  to  reconsider  the  forty- 
second  query  of  1850,  or  was  it  correctly  answered  ?  Con- 
sidered correctly  answered. 

Art.  11.  An  appeal  to  this  Yearly  Meeting,  from  White 
Oak  Church,  in  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania,  to  ap- 
point a  committee  to  investigate,  and,  if  possible,  to  settle 
the  difficulties  existing  there.  Considered,  to  grant  the  re- 
quest, and  to  appoint  Brethren  Andrew  Spanogle,  Peter 
Long,  and  Samuel  Lehman,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Philip 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         157 

Boyle  and  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland,  to  be,  the  com- 
mittee. 

Art.  12.  "Whether  it  is  according  to  the  gospel  for  breth- 
ren to  administer  the  communion  to  a  sick  or  disabled 
member,  in  the  daytime,  and  without  celebrating  the  other 
ordinances  connected  with  it?  Considered,  not  to  be  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel. 

Art.  13.  A  complaint  from  Sister  Brand,  of  Frederick 
County,  Virginia.  Considered,  that  Brethren  Benj.  Bow- 
man, Peter  Miller,  John  Wine,  Samuel  Wampler,  and  Ja- 
cob Biser,  be  a  committee  to  visit  the  church,  in  which  the 
sister  and  members  concerned  live,  and  investigate  the 
matter. 

Art.  14.  Whether  it  would  be  contrary  to  our  profession, 
and  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  to  make  contributions  to,  or  be- 
come members  of,  the  American  Colonization  Society,  with 
the  view  of  the  furtherance  of  the  liberty  of  the  African 
race?  Considered,  that  a  person  may  contribute  to  the  so- 
ciety, but  not  become  a  member. 

Art.  15.  How  is  it  considered,  for  brethren  to  appoint 
meetings  for  prayer  exclusively?  Considered,  that  the 
brethren  can  not  recommend  such  meetings,  as  a  general 
thing,  except  in  cases  of  peril;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  they 
consider  it  a  duty  and  privilege  to  pray  in  our  families, 
and  in  the  closet,  and  other  secret  places,  as  well  as  to  join 
the  public  prayer  in  our  regular  meetings  for  worship. 

Art.  16.  How  is  it  considered  for  brethren,  that  hold 
prayer-meetings,  and  invite  others,  that  are  of  a  different 
belief,  to  take  part  in  prayer,  and  call  them  brethren? 
Considered  utterly  wrong  for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  17.  Whether  the  form  of  words  used  in  the  ordi- 
nance of  baptism,  as  laid  down  at  the  Annual  Meeting,  A. 
1).  1848,  could  not  be  reconsidered?  Considered,  to  leave 
it  as  the  minutes  of  1848  have  it. 

Art.  18.  Would  it  not  be  advisable  for  the  brethren,  as- 
sembled in  Annual  Meeting,  to  establish  certain  well-estab- 


158  MINUTES    OF 

lished,  ordained  elders,  and  send  them,  two  by  two,  to  visit 
certain  districts  appointed  to  them,  etc.?  The  decision  to 
lay  over  till  next  year. 

Art.  19.  How  are  the  brethren,  when  called  upon,  to  pro- 
ceed in  holding  funeral  services  ?  Considered,  that  accord- 
ing to  the  general  and  ancient  practice  of  the  brethren,  we 
would  advise,  that,  in  all  cases,  the  services  should  be  be- 
gun and  concluded  by  singing  and  prayer. 

Art.  20.  Whether  it  is  according  to  the  gospel,  to  let  auy 
of  our  poor  members  go  to  the  county  poor-house  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  know  of  no  passage  in  the  gospel  author- 
izing this,  but  of  many,  where  the  duty  of  the  church  is 
expressly  enjoined,  to  support  their  poor  members,  and,  if 
not  able,  to  ask  aid  from  neighboring  churches. 

Art.  21.  Whether  a  minister,  or  any  other  member,  has  a 
right,  according  to  Paul's  treating  on  self-examination,  after 
being  seated  at  the  communion-table,  to  order  from  the  table 
any  brother  or  sister ;  or  whether  Paul's  sentiment  is  to  leave 
the  member,  or  members,  until  after  the  communion,  and 
then  take  them  into  the  council  of  the  church?  Consid- 
ered, inasmuch  as  the  Apostle  Paul  writes  (I.  Cor.  xt.  29) : 
"  He  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  eateth  and 
drinketh  damnation  to  himself,"  we  think  that  no  member 
should  be  permitted  to  remain  at  the  communion-table, 
when  he,  or  she,  is  known,  to  a  member  of  the  church,  to 
have  been  guilty  of  a  violation  of  the  order  of  the  house 
of  God. 

Art.  22.  How  do  the  brethren,  in  general,  pass  the  kiss 
at  the  communion-table  ?  Is  it  to  the  brother  who  sits  at 
the  administrator's  right  or  left?  Considered,  that  we  see 
no  difference;  but  leave  it  to  the  administrator,  as  he  sees 
proper,  or  as  circumstances  will  admit. 

Art.  23.  Is  it  right  for  our  teachers  to  enter  up  into  pul- 
pits, in  other  denominations'  meeting-houses,  and  teach 
there  ?  Considered,  that  brethren  should  give  no  offense, 
neither  to  Jew  nor  Gentile,  nor  to  the  church  of  Christ; 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         159 

but  we  would  advise  brethren  not  to  go  up,  when  they  can 
avoid  it,  as  the  brethren  had  considered  once  before. 

Art.  24.  "With  regard  to  the  twenty-eighth  query,  in  1849, 
a  more  definite  answer  is  required,  how  far  a  brother  may 
o-o.  in  order  to  recover  indemnification  for  losses  sustained 
from  a  railroad,  turnpike,  and  the  like,  passing  through  his 
land.  Considered,  that  we  might  use  the  provision  of  the 
law;  that  is,  petition  the  court  for  what  it  will  make,  as 
damages,  but  should  use  no  violence,  by  putting  the  law  in 
force,  for  a  recompense. 

Art.  25.  How  shall  the  brethren  at  Beaver  Dam,  Mary- 
land, proceed  with  the  money  willed  by  Bro.  John  Gerber, 
deceased,  to  be  distributed  among  the  various  churches  that 
have  need  in  the  different  states?  It  is  the  advice  of  the 
assembled  brethren,  that  Bro.  Daniel  P.  Sayler  (his  address 
is  Middleburg,  Carroll  County,  Maryland)  be  appointed  a 
general  corresponding  agent,  George  Hoke  and  John  P. 
Ebersole,  agents  for  the  north  part,  and  Peter  Nead  and 
John  Brower,  for  the  south  part  of  Ohio;  Abraham  Moss 
for  the  south,  and  Jacob  Miller,  of  St.  Joseph,  for  the  north 
part  of  Indiana;  Joseph  Emniert  for  Illinois,  and  adjacent 
states ;  Benj.  Bowman  for  the  north,  and  Abraham  Is  eft'  for 
the  south  parts  of  Virginia,  Carolina,  and  Tennessee;  Jac. 
Meyer,  of  Somerset,  for  western  Pennsylvania;  Andrew 
Spanogle  for  the  part  of  Pennsylvania,  east  of  the  Alle- 
ghany and  west  of  Susquehanna ;  and  Christ.  Lange- 
necker  for  Pennsylvania,  east  of  Susquehanna  and  E"ew 
Jersey,  to  report  to  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  as  soon  as  convenient, 
the  number  of  churches,  and  where  situated,  who  are  the 
elders  of  them,  and  where  there  is  help  necessary.  It  is 
further  our  advice  that  the  above  brethren  shall  report  to 
the  committee  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  every  year,  how 
much  of  said  money,  and  where  it  was  distributed. 

Finally,  with  regard  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  there 
was  but  one  invitation  from  our  brethren  in  northern  In- 
diana, for  the  meeting  in  1852,  and  two  invitations  for  that 


160  MINUTES    OF 

in  1853 — one  from  our  brethren  on  Beaver  Darn,  and  the 
other  from  our  brethren  in  Washington  County,  all  in 
Maryland ;  and  it  was  concluded,  that  our  next  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, on  Pentecost,  1852,  should  be,  God  willing,  in  Turkey 
Creek  church,  at  the  place  of  Jonathan  Weiland,  five  miles 
south  of  Goshen,  Elkhart  County,  Indiana.  Letters  on  the 
subject  to  be  addressed  to  Jacob  Miller,  or  James  Tracey, 
South  Bend,  Indiana,  or  to  John  Miller  and  Henry  Neff, 
Goshen,  Indiana.  Also,  concluded,  that  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, in  1853,  should  be  at  the  Beaver  Dam  meeting-house, 
Frederick  County,  Maryland.  Letters  to  be  addressed  to 
Jacob  Sayler,  Johnsville,  Frederick  County,  or  Daniel  P. 
Sayler,  Middleburg,  Carroll  County,  Maryland. 

In  conclusion,  all  united  in  praises  to  God  for  the  signal 
blessings,  and  especially  for  the  harmony  and  love,  which 
prevailed  throughout  the  whole  meeting. 

Signed,  in  behalf  of  the  meeting,  by  the  committee  of 
elders — George  Hoke,  John  Bowman,  John  Letherman, 
Christian  Longenecker,  John  Kline,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Dan. 
Brower,  Jam.  H.  Tracey,  Jacob  Meyer,  Henry  Kurtz. 

First  Committee — Daniel  Yundt,  Christ.  Wenger,  Mich. 
Petry,  John  P.  Ebersole,  Abr.  Flory,  L.  Furrey. 

Second  Committee — Peter  Xead,  Dan.  Hollinger,  James 
Tabler,  Adam  Brown,  Jacob  Tomer,  John  Wine. 

Third  Committee — John  Wine,  Jacob  Sornmers,  John 
Brubaeher,  Benj.  Byerly,  John  Deardorff,  John  Ogg. 

Fourth  Committee — John  Hershberger,  Benj.  Moomaw, 
David  Bock,  Jacob  Miller,  of  Logan,  Jacob  Miller,  of 
Rockingham,  Jacob  Guth. 

Fifth  Committee — Peter  Xininger,  John  Garber,  David 
Brandt,  Abr.  Grabill,  Mich.  Emmert,  Daniel  Senger,  Dan. 
Brower,  of  Ohio. 

Sixth  Committee — Abraham '  Xeff,  Peter  Miller,  Christ. 
Wise,  Thomas  Clark,  jun.,  David  Rothrock,  Jacob  Bru- 
baeher. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         1G1 

Seventh  Committee — Abraham  Maas,  Benj.  Bowman, 
Jac.  Biser,  Jacob  Ebersole,  Jacob  Wine,  Will.  George. 

Eighth  Committee — Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  Thomas 
Clark,  sen.,  David  Rinehart,  Abraham  Knopp,  Jacob  He- 
man,  David  Beeghly,  Isaac  Miller. 

Ninth  Committee — John  Miller,  of  Elkhart,  George 
Schafer,  George  Bear,  Daniel  Keller,  Jac.  Mehring,  Martin 
Gerber. 

Tenth  Committee — John  Molsbaugh,  James  Kelso,  Jac. 
Brower,  Christ.  Hupp,  Will.  Angle,  David  Kline. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1852. 

According  to  appointment  of  last  year,  the  brethren 
began  to  assemble  on  Saturday,  and  on  account  of  quite  a- 
large  congregation  being  collected,  public  worship  was 
commenced  that  afternoon,  and  continued  on  Sunday  from 
9  o'clock  in  the  morning  till  late  in  the  afternoon.  On 
Monday  morning,  before  public  worship,  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing was  organized  by  a  general  committee  being  chosen,, 
which  then  retired  and  received  the  papers  sent  in,  while 
public  worship  was  continued.  Monday  evening  the  papers 
were  distributed  among  eleven  committees,  and  on  Tues- 
day morning,  the  1st  of  June,  the  general  council  com- 
menced, as  usual,  with  singing,  exhortation,  and  prayer. 
The  following  points  came  up  at  this  time  for  considera- 
tion, in  the  fear  of  God  : 

Article  1.  Proceedings  of  a  council-meeting,  held  No- 
vember 22,  1851,  in  Adams  County,  Illinois,  by  the  breth- 
ren known  as  Western  Brethren,  with  propositions  for  a 
reunion  with  the  body  of  our  brotherhood,  represented  in 
this  meeting.  After  the  differences  having  been  stated, 
and  considerable  conversation  had  on  the  subject,  it  was 
finally  concluded,  that  this  meeting  does  not  feel  satisfied 
11 


162  MINUTES    OF 

how  a  full  and  true  union  can  be  obtained  on  the  propo- 
sitions made  by  the  Western  Brethren,  and  that  therefore 
this  matter  should  be  postponed  until  the  dear  brethren  in 
the  West  become  better  acquainted  still  with  the  grounds 
of  our  practice;  and  meanwhile  we  should  exercise  charity 
and  Christian  love  toward  them. 

Art.  2.  A  letter  from  Jefferson  County,  Iowa,  referring 
to  the  differences  existing  between  the  brethren,  called  the 
Western  brethren,  and  those  of  our  brethren  settled  around 
and  among  them,  from  the  East,  and  wishing  to  be  guided 
in  their  intercourse  with  them  by  the  counsel  of  this  meet- 
ing.    Considered,  as  answered  by  the  foregoing  decision. 

Art.  3.  Have  we  a  right  to  help  make  the  political 
government,  and  to  serve  as  officers,  also,  to  put  the  law 
in  force  against  any  of  our  fellow-men,  in  any  case  what- 
ever? Considered,  that  the  brethren  should  be  careful, 
and  not  betray  their  profession  in  helping  to  make  and 
serve  the  civil  government,  and,  if  they  give  in  their  vote, 
they  should  do  it  in  a  quiet  and  peaceable  manner,  without 
taking  part  in  electioneering,  and  return  immediately  from 
the  ground;  that  brethren  should  hold  no  office  under  the 
civil  government  that  would  cause  them  to  betray  their 
faith;  and  as  respects  using  the^aw  against  our  fellow 
•creatures,  brethren  should  use  lenity  and  Christian  for- 
bearance toward  our  fellow-men,  and  not  compel  them  by 
the  law,  unless  prompted  so  to  do  by  stern  necessity.  But 
before  so  doing  they  should  always  take  the  counsel  of 
the  church. 

Art.  4.  In  regard  to  the  continuation  of  the  "  Gospel 
Visitor,"  it  was  concluded,  that  inasmuch  as  there  is  a  di- 
versity of  opinion  upon  the  subject — some  in  favor,  and 
others  opposed — we  can  not  forbid  its  publication  at  this 
time,  and  hope  those  brethren  opposed  to  it  will  exercise 
forbearance,  and  let  it  stand  or  fall,  on  its  own  merits. 

Art.  5.  Respecting  the  publication  of  the  names  of  the 
special  committees  in  the  minutes,  it  was  considered  ad- 
visable not  to  insert  so  many  names. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        163 

Art.  6.  Whether  it  would  not  be  advisable  to  read  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  meeting  at  the  conclusion  of  the  same 
meeting  ?  Considered,  unnecessary,  inasmuch  as  they  are 
read  again  and  again,  one  by  one.  But  that  the  elders  of 
each  district  should  procure  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Annual  Meeting,  and  have  the  same  read  before  their 
respective  churches,  and  preserve  the  same  for  reference. 

Art.  7.  With  regard  to  sending  traveling  brethren,  ac- 
cording to  Art.  18  of  last  year's  minutes,  it  was  concluded, 
that  every  church,  and  even  members,  have  the  privilege 
to  call  on  the  Yearly  Meeting,  or  otherwise,  for  brethren 
to  visit  them. 

Art.  8.  Whether  the  commission  of  our  Lord  and  Savior 
Jesus  Christ  (Matt.  xxvm.  19,  20;  Mark  xvi.  15)  does  not 
require  of  the  church  to  send  brethren  to  preach  the  gospel, 
where  the  name  of  Christ  is  not  known  ?  Considered,  that 
the  brethren  acknowledge  the  great  commission  of  Christ  to 
its  full  extent,  and  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church,  the  min- 
isters, and  every  private  member,  to  do  all  that  is  in  their 
power  to  fulfill  that  commission  in  accordance  with  apos- 
tolic practice. 

Art.  9.  What  is  the  duty  of  a  bishop,  who  has  the  over- 
sight of  an  adjoining  congregation,  in  which  there  is  no 
householder,  and  only  one  speaker,  and  has  that  church 
liberty  to  call  elders,  and  have  a  bishop  or  speaker  ap- 
pointed? Considered,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  a  bishop  to 
attend  to  the  necessities  of  such  church,  and  if  he  neglects 
his  duty,  such  church,  if  unanimous,  may  call  other  elders 
to  assist  them. 

Art.  1.0.  Has  a  brother,  who  is  a  speaker,  a  right  to  go 
to  so-called  spiritual  rappings,  and  ask  such  questions  as 
these :  "Are  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  essential  to  sal- 
vation?" "Are  certain  deceased  relatives  happy?"  etc., 
and  to  invite  the  so-called  medium  into  his  neighborhood, 
who  theerupon  calls  at  such  brother's  house,  and  neigh- 


164  MINUTES    OF 

bors,  and  also  members,  attend  there,  asking  and  receiving 
information  from  such  medium  ?  How  is  such  a  brother  to 
be  dealt  with,  according  to  gospel  ?  Considered,  that  such 
rappings  are  a  lying  wonder  and  delusion,  and  that  these 
things  have  been  strongly  forbidden,  both  in  the  Old  and 
New  Testament,  as  the  works  of  the  devil.  (See  Deut. 
xviii.  9-16;  Lev.  xix.  31,  xx.  6,  27;  Is.  vm.  19,  20;  Acts 
xvi.  16-18;  Luke  xi.  14;  II.  Thess.  n.  9-11 ;  Rev.  xm.  13.) 
And  where  any  brother  goes  so  far  as  stated  above,  he 
should  be  admonished,  and  ought  to  make  satisfactory  ac- 
knowledgments to  the  church,  and  all  the  members  should 
be  earnestly  admonished  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  it,  and 
totally  to  debar  it  from  among  them. 

Art.  11.  Has  a  brother  a  right  to  have  or  keep  in  his 
house  costly  musical  instruments  ?  Considered,  that  mem- 
bers could  lay  out  their  money  to  a  better  advantage. 

Art.  12.  How  is  it  considered  by  the  brethren,  if  brethren 
aid  and  assist  in  building  great  houses  for  high  schools, 
and  send  their  children  to  the  same?  Considered,  that 
brethren  should  be  very  cautious  and  not  mind  high  things, 
but  condescend  to  men  of  low  estate.     Rom.  xn.  16. 

Art.  13.  How  it  is  considered,  for  a  laboring  brother  in 
the  gospel,  to  attend  to  store-keeping,  or  for  brethren  to 
sell  their  farms  and  go  in  for  store-keeping?  Considered, 
that  brethren  should  not  do  so,  and  least  of  all,  the  labor- 
ing brethren. 

Art.  14.  How  is  it  considered,  when  brethren  do  any 
kind  of  servile  work  on  the  Sabbath  or  Lord's-day  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  brethren  should  by  no  means  do  any  servile 
work  on  the  Christian  Sabbath  day,  nor  engage  in  sporting, 
such  as  fishing,  hunting,  etc.  And  in  case  members  will 
do  so,  they  should  be  visited  in  the  name  of  the  church, 
and  heartily  admonished  to  do  so  no  more,  and  if  they 
should  persist  in  so  doing,  they  should  be  dealt  with  as 
offenders.  (That  necessary  labors,  such  as  feeding  and 
watering  creatures,  preparing  food  for  the  family,  and  the 
like,  form  an  exception,  is  obvious ) 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         165 

Art.  15.  The  committee  appointed  last  year  to  visit  Sal- 
amony  Church,  in  this  state  (Indiana),  in  order  to  settle  the 
difficulties  there,  reported  that  they  could  not  yet  accom- 
plish the  object  of  their  apointment,  but  that  there  was 
now  a  prospect  of  doing  it,  and  request  some  more  brethren 
to  be  added.  Concluded,  that  this  committee  should  be  re- 
appointed, with  the  addition  of  James  Tracey,  of  Elkhart, 
and  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage. 

Art.  16.  Request  of  a  committee  to  go  to  Tiffin  Church, 
Seneca  County,  Ohio,  concerning  a  sister  whose  husband  left 
her,  and  she  remained  thus  forsaken  for  seven  years,  but  has 
now  got  a  bill  of  divorce,  and  is  married  again.  The  fol- 
lowing brethren  were  proposed  and  appointed  a  committee 
to  investigate  and  settle  this  business :  Joseph  Showalter, 
of  Stark  County;  John  Molsbaugh,  of  Knox";  John  Shoe- 
maker, of  Mohegan  ;  Elias  Dicky,  of  Ashland,  and  Jacob 
Kurtz,  of  Wayne  County — all  in  Ohio. 

Art.  17.  How  are  churches  to  proceed  in  the  following 
case?  A  brother  being  cut  off  from  the  church  with  an 
excluded  party,  and  afterward  becomes  guilty  of  adultery. 
Considered,  to  hold  him  as  the  church  does  such  party. 
See  I.  Cor.  v.  13:  "But  them  that  are  without,  God  judg- 
eth." 

Art.  18.  Whether  members  have  a  right,  by  the  gospel, 
to  go  begging  for  money  through  the  different  churches  ? 
Considered,  that  they  have  no  right,  according  to  the 
gospel,  and  where  there  are  poor  members  that  are  in  a 
suffering  condition,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  church  in  which 
they  live  to  see  to  it,  and  to  supply  their  wants,  and  if  that 
church  is  not  able  to  support  them,  the  church  has  a  right 
to  apply  to  the  neighboring  churches  for  help,  and  not  the 
brother  that  is  in  want. 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  brother  is  legally  ex- 
pelled from  the  church,  and  afterward  is  taken  sick,  when 
he  calls  for  the  brethren,  and  requests  of  them  to  be  an- 
ointed, and  the  brethren  do  anoint  him,  knowing  that  he 


166  MINUTES   OF 

is  excluded  from  the  churcli  ?  Considered,  that  according 
to  gospel,  we  have  no  right  to  anoint  such  as  are  not  in  fel- 
lowship with  the  church.  The  Word  (See  James  v.)  goes 
only  to  the  faithful. 

Art.  20.  Are  persons,  who  can  be  up  and  about,  and  go 
to  meeting,  proper  subjects  to  receive  the  anointing,  or  has 
the  apostle  only  reference  to  such  who  are  altogether  con- 
lined  ?  Considered,  that  the  apostle  has  only  alluded  to 
those  who  are  sick  or  in  a  decline  of  life. 

Art.  21.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  sense  of  the  word,  that 
the  anointing  should  be  performed  more  than  ouce  in  the 
same  illness  or  confinement?  Considered,  that  no  person 
should  be  anointed  more  than  once  in  the  same  sickness, 
according  to  our  understanding  of  the  word  of  God. 

Art.  22.  If  a  member  leaves  the  church  and  joins  an- 
other denomination,  and  after  a  while  leaves  that  denomi- 
nation and  makes  application  to  be  received  back  into  the 
church  again,  has  the  church  a  right  to  receive  that  mem- 
ber again  ?  Considered,  that  by  acknowledging  his  or  her 
fault,  and  giving  satisfaction  to  the  church,  he  may  be  re- 
ceived again. 

Art.  23.  Is  it  right  for  brethren  to  take  an  active  part 
in  the  construction  of  public  works,  such  as  railroads,  turn- 
pikes, plank-roads,  and  canals,  and  thereby  are  instrumental 
in  damaging  the  property  of  many  citizens  ?  Considered, 
that  brethren  ought  not  to  take  an  active  part  in  any  public 
work,  to  the  injury  of  private  property,  but  always  should 
do  as  they  would  wish  to  be  done  unto,  and  not  be  entan- 
gled with  the  affairs  of  this  world.     II.  Tim.  n.  4. 

Art.  24.  Have  we  a  right  to  refuse  the  salutation  of  the 
holy  kiss  to  a  brother  that  is  intoxicated  with  strong  drink, 
or  to  one  that  is  unclean  by  the  intemperate  use  of  tobacco  ? 
Considered,  that  no  brother  could  be  censured  if  he  refuses 
to  salute  a  brother  intoxicated,  or  unclean  with  using  to- 
bacco or  strong  drink. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         167 

Art.  25,  A  call  for  a  committee  to  be  sent  to  Jonathan's 
Creek,  Ohio.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  for 
the  business  :  John  Molsbaugh,  John  Shoemaker,  of  Mo- 
hegan,  John  P.  Ebersole,  Jacob  Kurtz,  and  Henry  Davy. 

Art.  26.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  two  church 
districts  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio.  The  request  was 
granted  by  nominating  Benjamin  Bowman  and  David 
Hardman,  of  Indiana;  Daniel  Miller,  of  ^Preble;  George 
Butterbaugh,  of  Miami;  John  Frantz,  of  Clark;  Michel 
Meyer,  of  Montgomery,  and  Abraham  Miller,  of  Allen — 
all  in  Ohio. 

Art.  27.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  to  receive  a  man 
into  the  church,  belonging  to  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows? 
Considered,  that  it  is  not,  unless  he  is  willing  to  withdraw 
from  and  renounce  that  order. 

Art.  28.  A  request  from  the  church  between  Salem  and 
Union,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  for  the  assistance  of  a 
committee.  This  request  was  also  granted,  by  appointing 
George  Hoover,  of  Henry;  George  "W.  Studybecker,  Daniel 
Miller,  of  Four-Mile,  John  Shively  and  Martin  Cable,  all 
of  Indiana,  to  be  said  committee. 

Art.  29.  The  following  was  also  proposed  and  adopted : 
This  meeting  would  advise,  that  every  church,  before  the 
time  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  should  take  counsel,  and 
select  brethren  to  represent  them  in  Annual  Meeting,  and 
also  counsel  whether  they  have  any  thing  to  send,  and  if 
so,  that  they  pass  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and  put  every 
question  on  a  paper  by  itself,  and  state  from  what  church, 
and  sign  it,  and  fold  it,  and  write  on  the  back  of  it  briefly 
what  the  question  is.  Thus  it  should  be  handed  in  or  sent 
by  mail.  Brethren  who  would  bring  questions  otherwise 
than  in  the  above  way,  should  come  before  the  committee, 
and  state  the  question,  and  the  reason  why  they  could  not 
counsel  the  church,  else  the  question  can  not  be  received. 
(The  object  of  this  is  chiefly  to  concentrate  the  business  of 
the  meeting,  which  otherwise  could  not  be  gone  through  in 
so  short  a  time  as  two  or  three  days.) 


168  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  30.  A  petition,  signed  by  more  than  seventy  mem- 
bers, for  a  committee  to  investigate  the  case  of  Daniel  Zook, 
of  Snake  Spring  Valley,  Pennsylvania.  Granted,  by  ap- 
pointing Peter  Long,  of  Perry;  Andrew  Spanogle,  of 
Huntingdon,  and  Jacob  Meyer,  of  Somerset  County,  all  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  Joseph  Arnold  and  Jacob  Biser,  of 
Hampshire  County,  Virginia,  to  be  said  committee. 

Art.  31.  Regarding  our  next  Annual  Meeting,  the  invi- 
tation was  repeated  by  our  dear  brethren  at  Beaver  Dam, 
Maryland,  for  next  year,  and  a  new  invitation  laid  in  from 
the  Aughwick  Church,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  year  after 
next ;  and  it  was  concluded,  that  our  next  Yearly  Meet- 
ing should  be,  God  willing,  on  Pentecost,  1853,  with  our 
beloved  brethren  in  Beaver  Dam  church,  Maryland,  and 
inasmuch  as  it  has  been  granted  to  our  Western  brethren 
to  have  the  Yearly  Meeting  every  second  year,  it  was 
agreed,  that  if  they  do  not  make  a  request,  particularly 
urging,  our  dear  Aughwich  brethren  shall  have  the  first 
claim  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1854. 

Letters  concerning  next  Annual  Meeting  may  be  ad- 
dressed to  either  of  the  following  brethren  :  Jacob  Sayleror 
Isaac  Pfoutz,  Johnsville,  Frederick  County,  Maryland,  or 
Daniel  P.  Sayler,  Middleburg,  Carroll  County,  Maryland.  It 
was  also  stated  that  brethren  coming  from  a  distance  b}T  rail- 
road should  make  Monrovia.,  Frederick  County,  Maryland, 
their  stopping-place,  where  a  brother  will  be  in  attendance 
at  the  depot,  and  conveyances  provided  to  bring  the  breth- 
ren to  the  place  of  meeting. 

Finally,  the  meeting  was  closed  with  prayer  and  praise 
on  Wednesday  afternoon,  about  4  o'clock 

Signed  by  the  committee,  George  Hoke,  Geo.  Shively, 
Jos.  Emmert,  John  Kline,  Dan.  Bernhart,  D.  P.  Sayler, 
Ben.  Bowman,  D.  Miller,  II.  Kurtz. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  169 


AXNUAL  MEETING  OF  1853. 

The  following  points  had  been  presented,  and  were  con- 
sidered in  the  fear  of  the  Lord : 

Article  1.  Whether  it  would  not  give  more  general  sat- 
isfaction, in  the  arrangement  of  the  standing  committee,  to 
select  them,  by  ballot,  out  of  the  whole  number  of  ordained 
brethren  present?  Considered,  unanimously,  to  make  no 
change,  in  this  matter,  from  the  ancient  and  present  usage, 
viz.,  that  the  elders  of  the  church,  where  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing is  held,  should  have  the  privilege,  as  heretofore,  to 
nominate  said  committee. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  it  is  necessary  to  abide  by  the  twenty- 
ninth  article  of  last  year's  minutes,  with  regard  to  indors- 
ing the  letters  on  the  outside,  whether  they  contained  que- 
ries or  not?  Concluded,  unanimously,  that  this  article  be 
so  altered  that  only  the  word  query,  and  how  many  que- 
ries? be  indorsed  on  the  outside. 

Art.  8.  In  regard  to  the  fourth  query  of  last  year's  min- 
utes, concerning  the  "  Gospel  Visitor?"  Inasmuch  as  the 
"Visitor"  is  a  private  undertaking  of  its  editor, we  unani- 
mously conclude  that  this  meeting  should  not  any  further 
interfere  with  it. 

Art.  4.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  and  its  principles, 
as  professed  by  our  brotherhood,  when  a  brother  is  chosen 
to  the  ministry  only,  not  being  authorized  to  baptize,  that 
the  ordained  elder  of  the  congregation  should  forward  such 
brother,  without  consulting  the  church?  Considered,  that 
all  the  power  under  God  is  vested  in  the  church,  and  that, 
therefore,  the  church  should,  in  all  such  cases,  be  consulted. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  right  for  brethren  to  have  intoxicating  liq- 
uors at  public  sales?  Considered  as  wrong,  that  it  should 
not  be  so  at  all,  nor  at  any  other  gathering. 

Art.  6.  Is  it  right  for  brethren  to  take  a  dram  in  public, 
when  in  perfect  health  ?     We  are  of  opinion  that  it  has  the 


170  MINUTES   OF 

appearance  of  evil,  and  should  not  be  indulged  in,  or  par- 
taken of  at  all,  as  a  beverage. 

Art.  7.  How  it  is  considered,  when  a  brother  lets  his  beard 
grow  awhile,  and  afterward  cuts  it  off,  or  trims  it  according 
to  the  fashion  of  the  world  t  The  committee  was  of  the  opin- 
ion, that  if  a  brother  lets  his  beard  grow,  in  honor  of  his 
profession,  that  he  should  not  cut  it  off,  nor,  by  any  means, 
to  trim  it  in  conformity  to  the  fashions  of  the  world.  (See 
Kom.  xii.).     This  was  adopted. 

Art.  8.  How  shall  we  proceed,  in  case  we  have  a  love- 
feast,  and  a  sister,  or  sisters,  come  from  another  congrega- 
tion to  our  love-feast,  who  wear  ear-rings  or  jewels; 
whether  we  have  a  right  to  take  them  in  council,  and,  if 
not  willing  to  lay  them  off,  whether  we  are  privileged  to 
keep  them  from  the  communion-table?  The  committee 
was  decidedly  of  opinion  that  as  it  is  positively  forbidden 
by  Holy  Writ  (see  I.  Peter  in.  3;  I.  Tim.  n.  9),  it  should 
not  be  tolerated,  except  in  cases  of  actual  necessity;  and 
that  the  church,  where  such  members  propose  to  partici- 
pate in  the  communion,  has  the  right  to  take  them  into 
council,  and  if  they  are  not  willing  to  be  admonished,  to 
advise  them  to  withdraw  till  they  are  willing  to  sacrifice 
those  forbidden  things. 

Art.  9.  Concerning  slavery.  How  shall  any  branch  of 
the  church  proceed,  in  case  an  individual  wishes  to  become 
a  member,  who  is  in  possession  of  a  slave  or  slaves,  and 
the  law  of  the  state  in  which  they  reside  is  such  that  they 
can  not  manumit  them  in  safety,  without  transporting  them 
beyond  its  limits ;  and  as  we  are  aware  that  the  several 
states  where  slavery  does  not  exist  are  contemplating  and 
passing  strenuous  laws,  prohibiting  their  emigration  thither, 
etc.,  it  seems  indispensably  necessary  for  us  to  adopt  some 
other  plan  than  hitherto  practiced,  in  order  that  the  church 
should  be  kept  clear  from  the  evils  of  slavery,  and  that  such 
persons  may  be  enabled  to  come  into  Christ's  kingdom  ? 
The  questions  involved  were  considered  too  important,  and 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        171 

therefore  concluded  to  intrust  this  matter  to  a  committee,  to 
report  thereon  as  soon  as  possible,  the  committee  to  con- 
sist of  the  following  brethren:  Joseph  Arnold  and  Benj. 
Moomaw,  of  Virginia,  John  M.  Umstad,  Sam.  Lehman, 
Isaac  Price,  and  David  Bosserman,  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
Daniel  P.  Sayler  and  Henry  Koons,  of  Maryland. 

Art.  10.  A  request  from  the  church  in  Williams  County, 
Ohio,  for  a  visit,  in  order  to  settle  difficulties  among  the 
leading  members  of  said  church.  It  was  concluded  to  ap- 
point a  committee,  consisting  of  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage, 
Indiana;  Abraham  Miller,  of  Allen,  John  P.  Ebersole,  of 
Seneca,  and  Elias  Dicky,  of  Ashland,  all  in  Ohio. 

Art.  11.  What  is  the  most  proper  or  scriptural  mode  of 
ordaining  an  elder  or  bishop — by  the  voice  of  the  church, 
over  whom  the  elder  is  to  be  ordained,  or  by  the  wish  or 
declaration  of  the  elders  or  bishops  of  neighboring  churches  ? 
Answered  by  referring  to  the  minutes  of  1851,  Art.  6. 

Art.  12.  Could  there  not  much  good  be  done  in  the  no- 
ble work  of  spreading  the  gospel  by  advising  such  breth- 
ren wishing  to  emigrate  westward  to  locate  themselves 
where  they  are  most  needed  ?  Considered,  that  wTe  can  do 
no  more  but  recommend  to  brethren-teachers  moving  to  the 
West,  to  take  this  into  serious  consideration. 

Art.  13.  Could  not  the  brethren  adopt  a  plan  to  hold  the 
Yearly  Meetings  in  such  a  manner  that  public  preaching 
might  be  held  in  the  neighborhood  around,  and  not  at  the 
place  for  council  ?  Concluded,  to  make  no  change  for  the 
present. 

Art.  14.  Ho.jv  is  it  considered  for  a  man,  who  is  a  brother, 
to  purchase  a  man  or  woman  that  is  a  slave,  upon  condition 
that  such  slave  shall  be  free,  or  emancipated,  after  serving 
the  purchaser  a  certain  number  of  years,  agreed  upon 
by  the  slave  and  his  purchaser,  without  consulting  the 
church?  Considered,  that  no  brother  should  do  so  with- 
out the  counsel  of  the  church ;  and  we  believe  the  better 
way  would  be  to  have  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  slavery  in 
no  shape  or  form  whatever. 


17-  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  15.  How  would  the  brethren  hold  a  teacher  that 
had  preached  that  there  was  no  such  a  being  as  a  devil,  and 
that  there  was  no  serpent  that  beguiled  Eve  in  the  garden 
of  Eden  ;  that  it  was  only  the  lust  that  tempted  her,  and 
every  one ;  but,  after  being  admonished,  promised  not  to 
teach  nor  argue  said  doctrine,  yet  still  harbors  the  same  be- 
lief? Considered,  that  such  teacher  was  admonished  right, 
that  he  should  not  preach  such  doctrine ;  and  if  he  should 
still  persist  in  holding  such  sentiments,  the  brethren  could 
not  hold  him  as  a  teacher,  or  even  as  a  member.  He  should 
be  admonished  to  search  the  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to 
make  him  wise  unto  salvation. 

Art.  16.  Concerning  going  to  law.  Considered,  that  it 
should  be  left  as  it  was  decided  last  year.  (See  Minutes  of 
1852,  Art.  3). 

Art.  17.  Concerning  going  to  political  meetings  and  elec- 
tions. Considered  best  not  to  attend  any  such  at  all,  inas- 
much as  the  true  Christian  belongs  to  another  kingdom. 

Art.  18.  Concerning  brethren  going  security  for  dealers 
in  ardent  spirits,  in  getting  their  license  to  sell  the  same. 
Considered,  that  brethren  should  by  no  means  do  so. 

Art.  19.  Concerning  brethren  purchasing  and  drawing 
lottery-tickets.  Considered,  that  brethren  should  not  have 
any  thing  at  all  to  do  with  this,  or  any  other  species  of 
gambling. 

Art.  20.  Whether  brethren  should  observe  days  ot  fast- 
ing, appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  or 
the  governors  of  the  respective  states  in  which  we  live? 
Considered,  that  brethren  should  pray  always,  and  not  faint, 
and  also  to  fast  as  often  as  practicable.  But,  considering 
Rom.  xiii.  1-7,  and  also  xiv.  5,  6,  it  should  be  left  optional 
with  the  churches  and  members  to  observe  such  days,  or 
not,  as  they  are  "  full}'  persuaded  in  their  own  minds." 

Art.  21.  Have  we  a  right  to  put  away  the  lamb  at  the 
Lord's  Supper,  and  use  beef  in  the  place  thereof?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  would  rather  see  a  lamb»prepared ;  but  in- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        173 

asmuch  as  Christ  has  made  us  free  from  the  ceremonial  law, 
and  as  there  is  no  command  in  the  New  Testament  that  it 
must  be  so,  we  should  bear  with  each  other  in  love  in  such 
matters. 

Art.  22.  In  case  a  brother  would  be  seen  in  a  trespass 
against  the  gospel  by  one  brother,  at  one  day,  and  in  a  sim- 
ilar one  by  another  brother  the  next  day,  and  again  in  a 
like  trespass  by  a  third  brother  at  another  time,  whether 
these  three  witnesses  are  sufficient  to  establish  the  trespass? 
Considered,  that  the  testimony  is  sufficient  to  convict  the 
brother,  and  that  he  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  the 
gospel. 

Art.  23.  Does  the  answer  to  the  tenth  query,  as  it  stands 
on  the  minutes  of  18-46,  only  forbid  the  grandeur  of  paint- 
ings and  carpets,  or  does  it  forbid  them  altogether?  "We 
consider  the  advice  of  our  brethren  in  1846  sufficiently  clear. 

Art.  24.  Is  it  right  to  give  a  certificate  to  a  brother,  when 
he  moves  out  of  the  church  district  without  paying  his 
debts,  or  giving  general  satisfaction  to  his  creditors  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  if  the  church  is  satisfied  of  the  brother's  hav- 
ing been  honest,  and  having  done  all  that  he  could  to  pay 
his  debts  and  satisfy  his  creditors,  he  ought  to  have  a  cer- 
tificate. But  should  the  brother  be  able,  and  not  willing  to 
pay  his  debts,  or  give,  or  try  to  give,  satisfaction  to  his 
creditors,  he  should  by  no  means  have  a  certificate  of  full 
membership  in  the  church. 

Art.  25.  How  is  it  considered,  when  brethren  hold  prayer- 
meetings  decently  and  in  order?  Considered,  that  every 
brother  should  meet  daily  with  his  family,  for  worship  in 
his  own  house;  that  when  brethren  meet  together,  accident- 
ally or  by  appointment,  they  are  at  perfect  liberty  to  sing 
and  pray  together,  read  the  Scriptures,  and  exhort  each 
other,  all  of  which  should  be  done  decently  and  in  order; 
but  we  would  advise  our  brethren  to  drop  the  name  of 
prayer-meeting,  and  call  them  simply  meetings. 

Art.  28.  How  one  arm  of  the  church  shall  proceed  to- 


174  MINUTES    OF 

ward  another,  in  case  of  a  departure  from  the  general  order 
of  the  church  ?  Considered,  that  inasmuch  as  all  the  arms 
of  the  church  are  but  one  body  in  Christ,  and  each  arm 
stands  in  the  same  relation  to  the  other  as  an  individual 
member  stands  to  the  other  individual  member;  and  inas- 
much as  an  individual  is  not  only  at  liberty,  but  commanded 
to  go  to  his  brother,  if  that  brother  has  done  something 
by  which  he  considers  himself  grieved,  in  order  to  gain  his 
brother  to  an  arm  of  the  church,  feeling  aggrieved  at  pro- 
ceedings in  and  by  another  arm,  has  not  only  a  right,  but 
also  a  solemn  duty  to  do  likewise,  and  to  do  it  either  by 
going  or  writing  to  such  arm. 

Art.  27.  "Whether  it  is  allowed  for  brethren  to  distill  fruit, 
or  get  it  distilled,  and  sell  the  liquor  ?     We  say,  No,  not  at  all. 

Art.  28.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  go  to  college,  or  teach 
the  same  ?  (  Considered,  that  we  would  deem  colleges  a  very 
unsafe  place  for  a  simple  follower  of  Christ,  inasmuch  as 
they  are  calculated  to  lead  us  astray  from  the  faith  and 
obedience  to  the  gospel. 

Art.  29.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  brethren 
to  go  to  the  county  and  state  fairs,  exhibiting  property,  or 
otherwise  taking  part  in  the  same?  Considered,  as  quite 
unbecoming  and  improper  for  pilgrims  being  found  there. 
We  should  remember  poor  Christian  at  Vanity  Fair. 

Art.  80.  How  is  it  considered  when  brethren  preach  a 
doctrine,  which  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  decision  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  speak  privately  to  or  with  mem- 
bers against  such  decisions  ?  Considered,  that  for  love  and 
union  sake  they  ought  not  to  do  so. 

Art.  31.  Can  a  brother  be  judged  by  testimony  from 
without  the  church,  if  he  denies  the  charge?  Considered, 
that  he  can  not.     (See  Minutes  of  1837,  Art,  2). 

Art.  32.  When  an  ordained  brother  sues,  or  causes  to  be 
sued,  a  brother  in  an  adjoining  church,  where  is  the  case  to 
be  investigated?  Considered,  that  it  is  to  be  investigated 
in  the  church  where  the  ordained  brother  lives. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        175 

.  Art.  33.  Is  it  right  to  discuss  moral  questions  in  our 
meeting-houses  ?  Considered,  that  our  brethren  had  better 
keep  the  houses,  built  for  the  worship  of  God,  exclusively 
for  that  special  purpose. 

Art.  3-1.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  brother  goes  to 
law,  in  order  to  collect  money  due  to  him,  and  other  breth- 
ren justify  him  in  it,  and  even  speakers  can  see  no  wrong 
in  it,  and  are  opposed  to  having  it  brought  before  the  church? 
Considered,  that  it  is  not  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  to 
make  use  of  the  law  to  collect  money,  and  that  it  is  wrong 
for  brethren  to  justify  it,  and  still  more  wrong  for  speakers 
to  oppose  its  being  brought  before  the  church. 

Art.  33.  How  is  it  considered  when  churches,  having  no 
overseer,  call  upon  those  old  brethren,  who  have  an  over- 
sight over  them,  to  come  and  assist  them  in  weighty  mat- 
ters, and  they  do  not  attend?  Considered,  that  such  elders 
ought  to  attend,  and  if  they  do  not,  the  church  may  call  on 
other  elders  to  assist  them.     (See  Minutes  of  1852,  Art.  9). 

Art.  36.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  brother,  at  a  love- 
feast,  or  meeting  where  dinners  are  given,  having  been  at 
the  first  table,  where  a  blessing  was  asked,  and  thanks  re- 
turned orderly,  afterward  rises,  and  returns  thanks  at  the 
second  or  third  table  ?  Considered,  that  it  had  better  not 
been  done 

Art.  37.  As  regards  testimony  between  members,  where 
two  of  the  brethren's  children  testify  in  the  same  case,  but 
contradict  each  other;  the  one  brother's  child  being  a  mem- 
ber, the  other  not,  but  of  good  moral  character.  Consid- 
ered, that  all  other  things  being  equal,  we  take  the  testi- 
mony of  a  brother  or  member. 

Art.  38.  Is  a  church  justifiable  in  expelling  a  member 
for  the  crime  of  drunkenness,  so  long  as  members  generally 
continue  in  the  custom,  whereby  men  are  made  drunkards  ? 
Considered,  as  drunkenness  comes  directly  from  moderate 
drinking,  therefore  every  church  should  keep  the  advice  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  to  use  no  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  bev- 


176  MINUTES    OF 

erage,  and  then  they  can  consistently  disown  the  brother. 

Art.  39.  "Would  it  not  be  more  consistent  with  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  practice  of  the  apostles,  to  extend  the  kiss, 
termed  the  holy  kiss  and  the  kiss  of  charity,  to  each  other 
only  when  coming  together  and  separating  from  each  other, 
and  not  at  feet-washing  and  the  communion ;  or  did  our 
Lord  and  Master  indeed  institute  such  a  thing  in  that  night 
in  which  he  was  betrayed?^  Considered,  that  we  feel  per- 
fect liberty  in  the  gospel,  to  continue  as  we  always  hereto- 
fore have  done. 

{  Art.  40.  Report  from  Jonathan's  Creek  Church,  in  Ohio, 
and  repeated  request  for  a  new  committee.  Request 
granted;  and  Brethren  Geo.  Shively,  from  Stark  County, 
John  Shoemaker,  of  Mohegan,  John  P.  Ebersole,  of  Seneca, 
John"  Molsbaugh,  of  Knox,  Jacob  Kurtz,  of  Wayne,  and 
Henry  Davy,  of  Delaware  County,  Ohio,  appointed  to  be 
said  committee. 

Art.  41.  Whether,  in  holding  a  choice  for  a  teacher,  after 
taking  the  voice  of  the  church,  there  ought  not  to  bo  lots 
cast  between  the  two  highest?  Considered,  that  the  prac- 
tice of  the  church,  generally,  is  to  receive  him  who  has  the 
highest  number  of  voices. 

Art.  42.  If  a  person  makes  application  to  be  received 
into  the  church,  and  believes  that  the  wicked  will  be  totally 
burned  up,  can  he  be  received  with  that  faith  or  not?  Con- 
sidered, thatTpersons  should,"  in  the  first  place,  be  taught 
the  principles  of  the  gospel,  and„theirbe  baptized_on  his 
faith,  showing  forth  fruits  of  repentance. 

Art.  43.  Concerning  anointing  the  sick  with  oil.  Con- 
sidered, that  it  should  be  administered  according  to  the 
manner  laid  down  by  the  brethren  in  the  minutes  of  1844, 
to  be  re-printed  now  again,  if  there  is  room  left. 

Art.  44.^1Iow  it  is  considered  when  choices  are  held  for 
teachers  or  deacons,  in  a  different  manner  from  the  general 
usage,  choosing  by  ballot,  in  presence  of  all  the  church, 
and  without  ordained  elders  from  other  churches  being 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE   BRETHREN.  177 

present  ?  Considered,  that  a  choice  should  be  held  by  each 
and  every  member  coming  before  the  elders,  and  giving 
their  voice  privately.  The  presence  of  two,  or  at  least  one 
ordained  elder,  from  another  church,  has  been  deemed 
necessary  always,  so  as  to  avoid  the  least  appearance  of 
partiality,  etc. 

Art.  45.  Inasmuch  as  there  had  been  a  difference  in  the 
form  of  words,  in  administering  baptism,  settled  and 
brought  to  a  union  some  years  ago,  could  we  not,  also,  come 
to  a  full  union  and  agreement  with  regard  to  feet-washing, 
the  Lord's  Supper,  etc.,  so  that  a  member  from  one  section 
would  find  in  every  other  section  the  same  celebration,  in 
manner  and  form,  as  at  home  ?  Considered,  to  refer  this 
to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

Art.  46.  Concerning  the  place  of  our  next  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, invitations  had  been  sent  in  from  our  brethren  in  Ash- 
land County,  Ohio,  for  next  year,  and  from  Aughwick 
Church,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  year  after  next.  It  was,, 
therefore,  concluded  that  the  Yearly  Meeting,  on  Pentecost, 
1854,  is  to  take  place,  God  willing,  with  our  beloved  breth- 
ren in  Ashland  County,  Ohio,  and,  if  the  request  be  re- 
peated, the  year  after  next  with  our  loving  brethren  on 
Aughwick,  Huntingdon  County,  Pennsylvania. 

Brethren  coming  to  Yearly  Meeting  with  no  other  object 
than  this,  will  bear  in  mind,  that  in  order  to  lessen  the 
burden  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  the  church  where  it  is 
held,  it  has  been  agreed  upon,  two  years  ago,  not  to  meet 
before  Sunday  morning,  and  that  it  is  consequently  not 
necessary  to  arrive  in  the  neighborhood  before  Saturday 
evening. 

As  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  next  year,  in  Ashland  County, 
it  was  stated  by  Bro.  Elias  Dicky,  that  brethren  from  the 
East,  coming  by  railroad,  should  stop  at  AVooster,  and 
brethren  from  the  West,  at  Mansfield,  whence  the  brethren 
of  Ashland  will  make  arrangements  to  have  them  conveyed 
to  the  place  of  meeting.  Necessary  written  communica- 
12 


178  MINUTES    OF 

tions  will  be  attended  to,  by  addressing  them  to  Elias  Dicky, 
Ashland,  Ohio. 

In  conclusion,  all  united  once  more  in  prayer  and  praises 
to  God  for  the  assistance  granted  to  go  through  the  labors 
of  this  Yearly  Meeting,  asking  pardon  for  all  that  was 
amiss,  and  commending  ourselves,  with  all  the  churches  of 
the  living  God,  to  his  care  and  protection. 

Signed,  in  behalf  of  the  meeting,  by  the  committee  of 
elders — Geo.  Hook,  Daniel  Miller,  Elias  Dicky,  of  Ohio; 
Benj.  Bowman,  David  Miller,  of  Indiana;  Joseph  Emmert, 
of  Illinois;  Benjamin  Bowman,  John  Kline,  of  Virginia; 
Christ.  Longenecker,  Peter  Long,  of  Pennsylvania  ;  Jacob 
Leathermau,  Jacob  Sayler,  of  Maryland. 

A  true  record. 

Henry  Kurtz,  Clerk. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1854. 

Having  again  been  permitted,  through  the  mercy  of 
God,  to  meet  in  general  council,  on  Monday  morning  the 
meeting  was  organized  by  appointing  a  standing  committee 
of  twelve  ordained  eiders — two  from  each  state  (Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland,  Virginia,  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois) 
represented,  and  a  clerk,  who,  having  retired  to  a  private 
room,  received  the  messengers  and  papers  sent  from  the 
different  churches.  Churches  represented,  107,  by  36  or- 
dained elders,  58  ministers  in  the  second,  and  21  in  the 
first  degree ;  40  deacons,  and  15  private  members.  Ten 
committees  were  nominated  to  examine  the  papers,  and 
report  theron  to  the  meeting,  and  on  Tuesday  morning  the 
council  commenced. 

The  following  queries  were  reported  and  disposed  of,  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  : 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OP  THE  BRETHREN.        179 

Article  1.  Report  of  the  committee  appointed  last  year 
on  the  subject  of  slavery.  (See  Minutes  of  1853,  Art.  9.) 
The  question  having  been,  "How  shall  any  branch  of  the 
church  proceed  in  case  an  individual  wishes  to  become  a 
member  who  is  in  possession  of  slaves,  and  the  law  of  the 
state  in  which  they  live  is  such  that  they  can  not  manumit 
them  in  safety,  without  transporting  them  beyond  its  lim- 
its?" 

"Agreeable  to  the  ninth  query  of  Yearly  Meetiug  of 
1853,  concerning  slavery,  the  committee  appointed  to  report 
the  same  have  had  this  subject  under  serious  consideration, 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  do  report  as  follows  : 

"First,  Under  no  circumstances  can  slavery  be  admitted 
into  the  church. 

"  Second,  In  all  cases  where  a  holder  of  a  slave  or  slaves 
wishes  to  become  a  member  in  the  church,  he  be  required 
to  manumit  all  his  slaves  before  baptism,  upon  the  following 
conditions  :  The  males  to  go  out  free  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one,  and  the  females  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  All 
those  over  and  above  these  ages,  when  manumitted,  are  to 
be  paid  by  their  former  owner  such  a  sum,  either  in  money 
or  goods,  as  may  be  judged  right  by  the  church  in  which 
the  case  may  occur,  and  which  is  considered  as  the  best 
judge,  being  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances — as  a 
compensation  for  their  services  over  age.  This  will  enable 
the  manumitted  to  migrate  to  a  land  of  liberty,  and  will 
relieve  the  conscience  of  the  liberator  from  the  burden  of 
taking  with  him  to  the  bar  of  God  the  wages  of  oppres- 
sion." 

This  report  was  adopted,  after  a  lengthy  discussion  by 
the  meeting. 

Art.  2.  "Whether  it  is  contrary  to  the  gospel  for  brethren 
to  lay  out  towns?  Considered,  that  it  is  not,  but  that  we 
would  at  the  same  time  caution  our  brethren  against  all 
schemes  of  extravagant  speculation. 

Art.  3.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  a  brother  to  give 


180  MIHUTES    .7 

ground  for  meeting-houses  to  such  that  do  not  preach  the 
.  -  el  in  its  purity  ;  and  if  not,  how  is  he  to  be  dealt  with  ? 
Considered,  as  positively  inconsistent  with  the  gospel,  as 
appears  from  the  following  testimonies :  II.  John  10,  11 ; 
Eph.  v.  11 :  II.  Cor.  vi.  14-1 S.  And  as  regards  the  man- 
ner of  dealing  with  such,  we  recommend  that  they  should 
be  admonished,  and  required  to  make  acknowledgment. 

Art.  1.  Bro.  Samuel  Lehman  was  nominated  as  agent 
for  the  Garber  legacy  in  northern  Illinois,  in  place  of 
Joseph  Emmert,  resigned.     Approved. 

Art.  5.  Bro.  Daniel  Miller,  of  Preble  County,  Ohio,  was 
nominated  as  agent  for  the  same  fund  in  southwestern  Ohio, 
in  place  of  John  Brower,  resigned.     Also  approved. 

Art.  6.  Itequest  of  our  brethren  in  northern  Illinois  for 
the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1856.     Postponed  till   the   other 

-^.:ess  is  disposed  of. 

Art.  7.  Can  a  person  be  reinstated  into  the  church  after 
having  been  excluded  for  immoral  conduct,  when  he  holds 
the  opinion  that  the  sisters  have  no  voice  in  church-council  ? 
Considered,  better  not  receive  such,  as  long  as  they  enter- 
tain views  contrary  to  the  order  of  the  church. 

Art.  8.  Is  it  expedient  for  a  laboring  brother  to  give 
ty  to  a  private  brother  to  exhort  or  bear  testimony  at 
public  worship  2  Considered,  as  not  advisable,  and  breth- 
ren should  be  cautious  not  to  offend  the  church  by  showing 
partiality  to  individual  members. 

Art.  0.  If  a  brother  is  disowned  in  one  church,  and 
38  to  another  at  a  distance,  and  there  desires  to  be 
received  again,  showing  symptoms  of  repentance,  acknowl- 
edging his  fault,  and  being  willing  to  make  reparation  as 
soon  as  he  is  able ;  this  being  made  known  to  the  church 
from  whence  he  came,  repeatedly,  but  nothing  is  done,  nor 
i.svrer  given  by  said  church — can  he  be  received  under 
such  circumstances  by  the  church  where  he  lives,  or  not? 
Considered,  according  to  II.  Cor.  n.  6-8,  that  the  church, 
where  a  fault  has  been  committed,  should  act   and  answer 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        ±81 

the  church  where  the  disowned  member  lives,  without  delay. 

Art.  10.  As  there  is  some  difference  of  opinion  respect- 
ing John  xin.  5,  the  question  arises,  whether  one  and  the 
same  member  shall  perform  the  double  act  of  washing  and 
wiping  the  saints'  feet?  Considered,  in  the  same  light  as 
it  was  in  1849  (Art.  39),  that  the  manner  of  feet-washing 
could  not  be  amended,  inasmuch  as  the  command  is  fully 
obeyed  in  the  way  we  observe  it. 

Art.  11.  If  one  or  more  churches  would  so  choose  to 
come  together  in  the  evening  to  observe  the  ordinances  of 
the  house  of  God,  as  delivered  unto  lis  by  the  Savior,  and 
continue  public  worship  next  day,  believing  that  thereby 
some  of  the  evils  might  be  obviated,  which  too  often  ac- 
company our  love-feasts,  would  it  be  considered  a  depart- 
ure from  the  "Word  ?  Considered,  No ;  but  at  the  same 
time  we  would  advise,  that  the  churches  should  be  careful 
to  observe  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord,  at  the  proper  time 
and  in  due  order,  and  to  avoid  all  unnecessary  changes. 

Art.  12.  When  a  man  who  says  he  is  very  near  the 
brethren,  but  yet  finds  fault  with  them,  comes  and  wants 
to  hold  meetings  among  us,  what  shall  we  do  with  him 
and  with  such  brethren  who  go  with  and  encourage  such  ? 
Considered,  that  we  ought  not  to  receive  such  as  min- 
isters, and  brethren  who  encourage  them  should  be  ad- 
monished, as  those  who  do  not  walk  consistently  with 
the  gospel.     "A  house  divided  against  itself  can  not  stand." 

Art.  13.  In  case  a  leading  brother  in  the  ministry  (or- 
dained or  not  ordained)  would  be  reported  as  having  com- 
mitted a  gross  public  fault,  and  the  ordained  brethren  of  an 
adjoining  congregation,  at  the  request  of  some  of  the 
members  of  the  church  where  the  fault  has  been  committed; 
call  a  council  in  that  church  and  investigate  the  matter; 
have  these  ordained  brethren  done  right?  Considered, 
that  in  such  case,  those  ordained  brethren  would  have  done 
right,  inasmuch  as  the  individual  church  is,  however  large 
it  may  be,  only  a  branch  or  member  of  the  body  of  Christ, 


182  MINUTES   OF 

and  inasmuch  as  it  is  the  duty  of  ordained  elders  to  take 
care  of  every  branch  of  that  body,  especially  when  the 
leading  member  is  sick  or  unfaithful. 

Art.  14.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  example  and  doctrine 
of  Christ  and  his  apostles,  when  brethren  write  and  publish 
books,  and  afterward  revise  and  republish  them,  etc.? 
Considered,  that  brethren  should  be  careful  in  their  publi- 
cations, and  especially  of  other  men's  books. 

Art.  15.  A  request  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1857  to  be 
held  in  the  church  in  Washington  County,  Maryland. 
This  invitation  will  be  considered  in  due  time. 

Art.  16.  Is  it  allowed  by  the  gospel  for  a  sister,  after  her 
husband  is  dead,  to  be  married  to  her  step-son?  Consid- 
ered, not  allowed  according  to  the  following  passages  : 
I.  Cor.  v.  1 ;  Levit.  xvm.  8.  Churches  should  be  watchful 
to  purge  out  such  a  leaven  from  among  them. 

Art.  17.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  Upper  Con- 
owago  Church,  Pennsylvania.  Granted,  and  Brethren 
Jacob  Sayler,  of  Maryland,  William  Boyers,  of  Franklin, 
John  Berkley,  of  Somerset,  Isaac  Meyers,  of  Union,  and 
Jacob  Hollinger,  of  Dauphin  Counties,  all  in  Pennsylvania, 
nominated  as  such  committee. 

Art.  18.  Would  it  be  more  in  accordance  with  the  gos- 
pel to  hold  our  love-feasts  on  Thursday,  before  Easter? 
Considered,  that  the  gospel  does  not  bind  us  to  any  par- 
ticular day. 

Art.  19.  How  will  it  be  considered  if  a  brother,  serving 
in  the  office  of  a  deacon,  does  not  let  his  beard  grow,  and 
when  admonished,  opposes,  and  asks  Scripture  on  that 
question  ?  Considered,  that  the  brethren  should  bear  and 
forbear  in  love,  and  give  him  the  best  Scripture  ground  they 
can. 

Art.  20.  Is  it  not  the  duty  of  each  church  to  keep  their 
poor,  and  not  let  them  become  a  county-charge,  or,  is  it 
right  to  send  a  brother  to  the  poor-house  at  the  expense 
of  the  county?     Considered, that  this  question  was  fully 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        183 

and  correctly  answered  in  1851  and  1852.  (See  Minutes 
of  1851,  Art.  20,  and  of  1852,  Art.  18.) 

Art.  21.  A  request  for  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  in 
1855,  by  the  church  on  Aughwick,  Huntingdon  County, 
Pennsylvania.     Will  be  considered  hereafter. 

Art.  22.  A  request  that  the  oldest  bishop  choose  or 
appoint  twelve  brethren  to  hold  a  communion  or  love-feast 
at  the  time  (and  place)  of  Yearly  Meeting,  as  a  model,  to 
show  us  the  right  order,  according  to  the  gospel.  Consid- 
ered, that  Christ  with  his  apostles,  in  that  doleful  night 
when  he  (the  Savior)  was  betrayed,  has  given  a  model,  and 
showed  us  the  right  order. 

Art.  23.  A  request  to  reconsider  query  3  on  the  Minutes 
of  1853,  which  reads  thus:  "Have  we  a  right  to  help  making 
the  political  government,  and  to  serve  as  officers ;  also  to 
put  the  law  in  force  against  any  of  our  fellow-men  in  any 
case  whatever  ?  Considered,  that  this  query  was  sufficiently 
and  correctly  answered  in  1852.  (See  Rom.  vi.  16,  x.  1-3; 
II.  Tet.  I.  19,  ii.  19 ;  I.  John  in.  8,  9 ;  Matt.  vi.  24;  II.  Cor. 
vi.  5-8  ;  John  xvni.  36.) 

Art.  24.  Is  it  more  in  unison'  with  the  gospel  to  use 
lamb  at  our  love-feasts  instead  of  beef?  Considered,  this 
query  to  be  answered  by  the  21st  article  of  the  Minutes 
of  1853. 

Art.  25.  Whether  the  29th  article  of  the  Minutes  of 
1852  should  not  be  readopted  ?  Considered,  to  let  it  re- 
main as  decided  last  year  (Art.  2),  with  the  understanding 
that  each  query  should  be  written  on  a  separate  paper. 

Art.  26.  A  request  from  Coventry  Church,  Chester 
County,  Pennsylvania,  for  a  committee  to  examine  griev- 
ances and  difficulties  there  existing.  The  request  granted, 
and  the  following  brethren  appointed :  Dan.  P.  Sayler  and 
Philip  Boyle,  of  Maryland ;  John*  Kline,  of  Virginia,  and 
Samuel  Harley,  Jacob  Wenger,  and  Christian  Longenecker, 
of  Pennsylvania. 

Art.  27.  A'similar  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  Lower 


184  MINUTES    OF 

Cumberland  Church,  in  Pennsylvania.  Also  granted,  and 
Brethren  Isaac  Pfoutz,  of  Maryland  ;  Samuel  Miller,  Peter 
Long,  Andrew  Spanogle,  and  David  Bosserman,  all  of 
Pennsylvania,  nominated  for  this  committee. 

Art.  28.  A  letter  from  Fulton  County,  Illinois,  to  be 
answered  by  the  standing  committee,  which  was  done, 
approving  of  their  proceedings. 

Finally,  was  considered  the  question  about  the  next 
Yearly  Meeting — there  having  been  sent  in  a  request  for 
the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1855  by  our  brethren  on  Aughwick, 
Huntingdon  County,  Pennsylvania ;  another  for  the  Yearly 
Meeting  in  1856  by  our  brethren  in  northwestern  Illinois, 
and  another  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1857  by  our  brethren 
in  Washington  County,  Maryland.  Hence  it  was  con- 
clude 1,  that  our  next  Yearly  Meeting  should  be  held,  God 
willing,  with  the  Aughwick  congregation,  Huntingdon 
County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Pentecost,  1855,  and  the  requests 
for  the  succeeding  years  be  put  on  record,  so  that  if  the 
invitations  should  be  repeated,  and  no  more  pressing  claim 
should  intervene,  they  may  stand  first  for  future  consider- 
ation. 

With  regard  to  our  next  Annual  Meeting  on  Aughwick, 
it  was  stated  by  letter  from  our  dear  brother,  Andrew 
Spanogle,  that  it  will  be  held  at  their  meeting-house;  that 
the  nearest  station  on  the  railroad  is  Mount  Union,  from 
whence  it  is  seven  miles  to  the  meeting-house,  and  to  Bro. 
Samuel  Lutz,  who  lives  near  it.  Letters  addressed  to 
Elder  Andrew  Spanogle,  Shirleysburg,  Huntingdon  County, 
Pennsylvania,  will  be  attended  to. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  meeting  and  the  standing  com- 
mittee of  elders:  George  Hoke,  George  Shively,  of  Ohio; 
John  Kline,  Joseph  Arnold,  of  Virginia;  Philip  Boyle, 
Ban.  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland;  C.  Longenecker,  John  Berk- 
ley, of  Pennsylvania ;  Jacob  Miller,  George  Hoover,  of 
Indiana;  Joseph  Emmert,  Christian  Long,  of  Illinois. 

Henry  Kurtz,  Clerk. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        185 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1855. 

After  public  worship,  held  on  Lord's-day  before,  the 
council-meeting  was  commenced  on  Monday  morning,  by 
singing  and  prayer,  and  making  the  necessary  statements. 
The  meeting  was  organized  by  appointing  a  standing  com- 
mittee of  thirteen  elders,  with  two  clerks,  and  one  hundred 
and  ten  brethren  were  representing  the  churches,  who  were 
divided  into  ten  committees,  to  examine  and  report  on  the 
papers  sent  in.  On  Tuesday  morning  most  of  the  commit- 
tees were  ready  to  report,  and  the  following  queries  were 
proposed  and  answered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord : 

Articlh  1.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  Sugar 
Creek  congregation,  in  Tuscarawas  County,  Ohio.  Granted, 
and  Brethren  Joseph  Showalter,  John  Shoemaker,  Elias 
Dicky,  John  Molsbaugh,  and  Jacob  Kurtz,  appointed  for 
this  visit. 

Art.  2.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  young  brother  and  sis- 
ter want  to  marry  each  other,  and  being  opposed  by  their 
parents  (members,  too),  accomplish  their  design  so  late  as 
to  bring  reproach  upon  themselves  and  the  church?  Con- 
sidered, that  the  young  members  should  be  dealt  with  ac- 
cording to  the  circumstances,  so  as  to  prove  that  the  church 
is  not  participating  in  evil,  and  that  the  parents  should  also 
be  admonished,  if  the  church  finds  them  in  error. 

Art.  3.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  brother,  or  brethren, 
belong  to  the  party  so-called  "  Know-Nothings,"  and  take 
an  active  part  in  it,  trying  to  persuade  brethren  to  join  said 
party?  Considered,  that  no  brother,  who  is  a  member  of 
the  so-called  Know-Nothings,  or  any  other  secret  society, 
can  be  a  member  of  our  communion. 

Art.  4.  Hath  a  brother  a  right  to  defend  himself  with  a 
deadly  weapon  at  the  appearance  of  being  in  danger? 
Considered,  he  hath  not,  inasmuch  as  the  Savior  says  to 
Peter:  " Put  up  thy  sword  into  his  place;  for  all  they  that 


186  MINUTES   OF 

take  the  sword,  shall  perish  with  the  sword."    Matt.  xxvi.  52. 

Art.  5.  Renewal  of  the  invitation  from  the  church  in 
Washington  County,  Maryland,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in 
1857.  Considered,  that  they  are  entitled  to  it,  provided 
the  invitation  is  renewed  next  year. 

Art.  6.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  to  receive  persons 
into  the  church  with  hand  and  kiss,  when  circumstances 
will  not  permit  baptism  to  be  performed  ?  Considered,  that 
it  is  not  according  to  the  gospel  to  consider  persons  as 
members  of  the  church  without  baptism ;  yet  they  should 
be  encouraged,  and,  if  they  wish  it,  their  cases  may  be  taken 
into  consideration  by  the  church,  in  council,  and  they  be 
received  as  candidates  for  baptism,  which  is  to  be  performed 
as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit. 

Art.  7.  How  it  would  be  considered,  if  a  brotuer  obtains 
a  patent  for  any  invention?  Considered,  that  it  would  be 
safest,  in  all  cases,  first  to  ask  counsel  of  the  church  before 
obtaining  a  patent. 

Art.  8.  "Whether  it  is  agreeable  with  the  word  of  God  to 
erect  tombstones  ?  Considered,  that  it  would  not  agree  with 
the  principles  of  the  gospel,  such  as  humility,  non-conform- 
ity to  the  world,  etc.,  to  erect  large  and  expensive  tomb- 
stones. 

Art.  9.  What  course  is  the  churcn  to  pursue  with  mem- 
bers, and  even  speakers,  who  say  they  can  not  see,  with  the 
brethren,  that  the  pardon  of  sin,  and  the  reception  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  follow  baptism,  believing  and  contending  that 
many  do  experience  the  pardon  of  sin  and  receive  the  Holy 
Spirit  before  baptism,  when  such  brethren  have  been  ad- 
monished, again  and  again,  that  they  should  not  contend 
for,  or  preach,  such  doctrine;  but  after  all  the  admonitions 
and  labor  to  convince  them  of  their  error  from  the  Script- 
ures, which  they  will  acknowledge,  and  then  turn  right 
about  and  contend  for  the  same  old  thing,  thereby  wound- 
ing the  feelings  of  the  brethren,  etc.?  Considered,  that  we 
should  bear  with  one  another's  private  opinion  in  love,  but 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        187 

ought  to  be  united  in  word  and  sentiment  as  regards  "  the 
common  salvation"  (Jude  in.),  and  ought  to  speak  the 
same  thing ;  that  is  to  sa3T,  the  plain,  simple,  word  of  God, 
and  earnestly  and  unitedly  contend  for  the  faith  once  de- 
livered unto  the  saints,  and  that  a  doctrine  contrary  to  the 
common  plan  of  salvation  should  not  be  preached  or  con- 
tended for;  but  if  done,  and  the  brother  is  admonished  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel,  and  he  will  not  hear,  we  would  have 
to  proceed  according  to  Matt,  xviii.  However,  it  was  rec- 
ommended to  use  all  possible  leniency,  long-suffering,  and 
forbearance  in  such  a  case. 

Art.  10.  How  is  a  church  to  proceed  with  members,  who 
were  disowned  because  the  brother  married  a  sister  who 
was  married  before  to  a  man  (not  a  brother),  and  was  di- 
vorced from  him  on  account  of  him  committing  adultery, 
but  who  has  since  died  ?  Considered,  if  the  church  is  sat- 
isfied of  the  former  husband's  death,  and  with  the  repent- 
ance of  the  brother  and  sister,  they  may  be  received  again. 

Art.  11.  Is  a  speaker  allowed  to  take  any  amount  of 
money  for  marrying  that  may  be  offered  him,  and  if  so, 
how  much?  Referred  to  Art.  9  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  in 
"Wayne  County,  Ohio,  1848,  which  reads  thus:  "Consid- 
ered, that  this  meeting  can  not  advise  brethren  to  take  a 
fee,  and  would  leave  it,  as  a  matter  of  conscience,  to  the 
ministering  brother,  with  the  advice  of  the  church  in  which 
he  lives." 

Art.  12.  How  is  it  considered  when  members  leave  at 
council-meeting,  before  it  is  nearly  out,  in  order  to  attend 
another  religious  meeting  (not  of  our  brethren),  and  when 
other  members  do  not  attend  council-meeting  at  all  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  all  members  should  be  punctual  to  attend 
council-meetings,  and  remember  the  apostle's  admonition 
(Heb.  x.  25):  "Xot  forsaking  the  assembling  of  ourselves 
together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is;"  and  such  as  would 
leave  council-meetings,  for  no  other  cause  than  above  men- 
tioned, should  be  earnestly  reminded  that  "  God  is  not  the 


188  MINUTES    OF 

author  of  confusion."  I.  Cor.  xiv.  33.  In  conclusion,  it 
was  deemed  proper  to  admonish  our  dear  brethren  and  sis- 
ters to  observe  that  order  and  decency,  in  attending  our 
council-meetings,  as  in  all  other  cases,  as  the  Word  teaches 
us.     I.  Cor.  xiv.  40. 

Art.  13.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  church 
in  Tulpehaccon,  Lebanon  County,  Pennsylvania.  Granted, 
and  Elders  Samuel  Harley,  Jacob  Wenger,  Jacob  Hollinger, 
Samuel  Miller,  and  David  Gerlach,  appointed. 

Art.  14.  Is  it  conforming  with  the  world  to  build  meet- 
ing-houses? Answer:  No,  if  built  without  unnecessary 
ornaments,  and  only  for  the  worship  of  God. 

Art.  15.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  member  is  taken  to 
the  Lunatic  Asylum  by  the  children,  that  are  not  members ; 
is  it  the  duty  of  the  church  to  pay  the  expenses?  Consid- 
ered, that  the  church  is  not  bound  to  pay  any  debts  but 
those  which  it  contracts. 

Art.  16.  A  private  letter  requesting  a  committee  to  set- 
tle difficulties  in  Mahoning  Church,  Ohio.  Privately  an- 
swered by  the  committee. 

Art.  17.  If  two  brethren  were  chosen,  at  one  and  the 
same  time,  as  ministers  in  the  first  degree,  and  some  time 
afterward  advanced  together  to  the  second  degree,  and  in 
course  of  time  the  church  is  in  need  of  an  overseer  or 
bishop,  can  those  two  brethren  both  be  ordained  as  such,  or 
only  one?  Considered,  that  in  such  a  case  both  brethren 
may  be  ordained,  provided  there  be  no  sufficient  cause 
known  to  prevent  it. 

Art.  18.  In  case  a  young  sister,  being  deceived  by  prom- 
ises of  marriage,  and  is  left  afterward,  in  shame  and  dis- 
tress, by  her  deceiver,  can  she  be  retained  as  a  member,  if 
she  shows  repentance,  etc.?  This  question  might  be  an- 
swered with  a  question  of  the  apostle  (I.  Cor.  v.  (3) :  "Know 
ye  not  that  a  little  leaven  leaveneth  the  whole  lump?  "  and 
it  was  considered,  that  such  a  sister  should  be  expelled,  un- 
til she  comes  and  makes  humble  and  public  acknowledg- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         189 

merit  of  her  error  before  the  church,  and  affords  ample 
proof  of  sincere  penitence. 

Art.  19.  What  to  do  with  a  person  wishing  to  become  a 
member,  and  confessing  to  be  a  Freemason,  yet  not  willing 
to  renounce  it?  Considered,  that  no  person  could,  or 
should,  be  admitted  into  the  church,  unless  he  shall  pre- 
viously renounce  all  connection  whatever  with  Freemasonry, 
or  any  and  every  other  secret  society,  with  which  he  may 
have  been  connected. 

Art.  20.  What  is  the  advice  of  the  General  Council  to 
individual  members,  say  four,  five,  or  more,  who  can  not 
commune  with  the  church  because  they  have  beef  instead 
of  a  lamb  at  their  love-feast?  Considered  as  good  advice 
for  such  members  to  submit  to  the  order  of  the  church 
where  they  live,  and  to  reflect  on  the  admonition  of  the 
apostle  (Col.  n.  16, 17) :  "  Let  no  man,  therefore,  judge  you, 
in  meat  or  in  drink,"  etc.,  "which  are  a  shadow  of  things 
to  come;  but  the  body  is  of  Christ."  Again,  to  learn  of 
his  example  (Phil.  iv.  11),  where  he  says:  "For  I  have 
learned,  in  whatsoever  state  I  am  [with  whomsoever  I  am, 
according  to  the  German  translation]  therewith  to  be  con- 
tent." 

Art.  21.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  at  the  close  of  our 
meetings,  to  sing  a  hymn,  and  invite  mourners  to  cojne  for- 
ward, and  if  none  will  come,  to  sing  another  hymn,  and 
give  another  invitation,  and  lastly,  to  tell  the  congregation 
to  rise  on  their  feet,  and,  with  raised  hand,  speak  a  bless- 
ing over  the  people  ?  Considered,  that  this  is  not  agreea- 
ble with  the  gospel,  and  should  not  be  done. 

Art.  22.  Request  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  1858  from 
the  brethren  in  Wabash  Valley,  Indiana.  The  invitation 
gratefully  accepted,  and  may  be  granted,  God  willing,  if 
repeated. 

Art.  23.  How  it  is  considered,  if  a  church,  having  no  or- 
dained elder,  has  a  case  of  gross  sin,  such  as  is  described  in 
I.  Cor.  v.  11,  and  application  is  made  to  ordained  elders  to 


190  MINUTES   OF 

assist  them,  the  elders  making  an  appointment,  and  failing 
to  attend ;  has  the  church  a  right  to  put  such  members 
back,  or  ought  the  church  to  hold  such  transgressors  as  full 
members,  until  they  can  get  ordained  elders  ?  Considered, 
that  the  church  may,  and  ought,  to  put  them  back  provis- 
ionally, when  the  crime  is  sufficiently  proven,  until  ordained 
elders  can  attend. 

Art.  24.  If  two  brethren,  or  members,  should  raise  a 
quarrel,  before  or  in  presence  of  others,  so  as  nearly  to 
come  in  bodily  conflict,  or  to  fight,  can  such  matter  be  set- 
tled between  those  members,  or  ought  it  to  be  brought  be- 
fore the  church?  Considered,  that  such  public  crimes 
must  be  settled  before  and  by  the  church. 

Art.  25.  Concerning  the  difference  in  the  time  of  com- 
ing together  for  holding  love-feasts;  does  it  not  appear  as 
if  there  was  a  division  or  disunion  among  us,  when  some 
churches  meet  and  have  public  worship  (according  to  an- 
cient order  of  the  brethren)  in  the  forenoon,  others  at  one, 
two,  or  three  o'clock,  and  again  others  in  the  evening,  about 
the  time  when  the  exercises  immediately  connected  with 
the  Lord's  Supper  should  begin?  Could  there  not  a  uni- 
form practice  be  adopted  in  this,  as  it  used  to  be  among  the 
brethren  in  by-gone  years  ?  Considered,  to  be  left  to  the 
consideration  of  the  churches,  and  to  let  them  decide  when 
their  love-feasts  are  to  be  held. 

Art.  26.  How  is  it  considered  best  to  do  with  a  brother, 
or  brethren,  that  will  not  use  the  words,  in  administering 
baptism,  as  it  was  decided  at  the  Yearly  Meeting,  near 
Wooster,  Ohio,  in  1848,  "  for  the  remission  or  forgiveness 
of  sin?"  Considered,  that  the  decision  of  said  council 
should  be  observed,  as  it  was  observed  by  many  brethren 
from  time  immemorial,  and  those  brethren,  who  will  not 
submit  to  it,  should  be  admonished,  for  love  sake,  and  for 
the  "Word's, sake,  to  comply. 

Art.  27.  Would  it  not  be  right  to  hold  a  love-feast,  after 
all  matters  are  settled,  at  the  Yearly  Meeting,  inasmuch  as 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        191 

many  of  us  will  never  see  each  other  again  (in  this  life), 
and  thus  show,  also,  a  pattern  to  all  the  brethren,  how  it 
ought  to  be  held?  Considered  it  best  to  have  no  love-feast 
at  our  Annual  Meetings,  as  the  number  of  people  present 
is  so  large. 

Art.  28.  How  ought  the  church  to  hold  a  member,  who 
argues  and  contends  that  Christ  was  eating  the  Jewish 
passover  with  his  disciples,  and  at  the  same  time  the  Jews 
did  eat  it ;  and  also  contends  that  it  is  not  binding  on  the 
followers  of  Christ  to  observe  a  supper,  or  any  thing  more 
than  the  bread  and  wine,  and  that  feet-washing  ought  to 
be  observed  after  eating,  neither  can  be  satisfied  with  the 
brethren  that  preach  otherwise  ?  Considered,  that  as  it  ap- 
pears evident,  from  John  xnr.  1-29;  xix.  14;  xviii.  28,  that 
Christ's  Supper  with  his  disciples  was  eaten  before  the  Jew- 
ish passover,  and  it  appears,  from  a  comparison  of  Mark 
xiv.  20,  and  John  xin.  26,  that  the  supper  recorded  by 
Mark,  and  that  recorded  by  John,  are  the  same.  Again, 
Luke  calls  the  meal  which  Christ  ate  with  his  disciples,  at 
which  he  instituted  the  communion,  a  supper,  and  a  com- 
parison of  Luke  xxii.  23,  and  John  xin.  25,  will  show  that 
they  were  the  same.  Now,  as  it  appears  plain  that  the  sup- 
per, in  John  xin.,  was  before  the  Jewish  passover,  that  of 
Luke  xxn.  20  was  likewise  before  it,  and,  therefore,  not  the 
passover  itself.  Further,  from  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles, 
and  from  the  epistles,  we  find  that  there  was  in  the  church 
a  feast  of  charity.  (See  Jude  xn. ;  I.  Cor.  v.  8 ;  II.  Peter  n. 
13;  Acts  xviii.  21).  When  we  take  all  this  evidence  into 
consideration,  we  think  it  is  sufficient  to  satisfy  every  sin- 
cere and  candid  mind,  that  those  who  want  to  adhere  to  the 
practice  of  the  church,  in  the  times  of  the  apostles,  must 
have  a  feast  of  charity;  and  those  brethren  who  oppose 
such  a  feast,  oppose  the  gospel,  and  therefore  should  be  ad- 
monished. And  concerning  the  washing  of  feet  after  the 
communion,  we  would  say,  that  it  appears,  from  the  read- 
ing of  the  thirteenth  chapter  of  John,  that  feet-washing 


192  MINUTES    OF 

was  practiced  before  John  leaned  on  the  bosom  of  Christ 
(see  John  xin.  23);  but  we  find,  from  John  xxi.  20,  that 
John  leaned  on  the  bosom  of  Christ  at  supper.  Therefore, 
feet-washing  was  performed  by  Christ  before  supper,  and 
certainly  before  the  communion,  as  the  communion  was  ad- 
ministered after  supper. 

Art.  29.  Request  for  a  committee  to  Illinois,  to  confer 
with  the  far-western  brethren,  or  a  committee  of  them,  to 
investigate  the  differences  in  doctrine  and  practice  existing 
between  them  and  us,  and  report  to  the  next  Annual  Meet- 
ing. Granted,  and  Brethren  Abraham  Maas,  Christian 
Long,  John  Metzger,  Samuel  Lehman,  James  II.  Tracey, 
David  Hardman,  John  Bowman,  Daniel  Frey,  Daniel  P. 
Sayler,  John  H.  Umstad,  and  James  Quinter,  appointed  for 
this  business. 

Art.  30.  Bequest  for  advice,  from  our  members  in  Oregon 
Territory.  Granted,  by  a  letter  signed  by  the  standing 
committee. 

Art.  31.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  church 
in  Owen  County,  Indiana.  Left  over  to  Elder  John  Metz- 
ger, to  go  there,  with  some  more  brethren  (and  at  least  one 
more  elder),  to  investigate  the  case. 

Art.  32.  Bequest  for  next  Yearly  Meeting  repeated  by 
our  brethren  in  northern  Illinois.  Upon  this  it  was  con- 
cluded that  our  next  Annual  meeting  shall  take  place,  God 
willing,  with  our  beloved  brethren  in  Illinois,  at  the  place 
of  Bro.  Michael  Baber,  in  Stephenson  County,  on  Pente- 
cost, 1856.  Xearest  station  on  the  railroad,  Lena.  Address 
Elder  Daniel  Erey,  Kent,  Stephenson  County,  Illinois. 

Art.  33.  Bro.  John  H.  Umstad  was  appointed  as  agent 
for  the  receiving  and  distributing  of  Garber's  legacy  for 
the  poor  east  of  Susquehanna,  in  place  of  Bro.  Christian 
Longenecker,  deceased ;  and  Bro.  Peter  Long  in  the  same 
capacity  for  the  west  side  of  Susquehanna,  in  place  of  An- 
drew Spanogle,  resigned. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  standing  committee — Geo.  Hoke, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        193 

John  Molsbaugh,  of  Ohio;  J.  Leather-man,  John  Metzger, 
of  Indiana;  Daniel  Frey,  of  Illinois;  John  Kline,  Daniel 
Brower,  of  Virginia;  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  George  Bear,  of 
Maryland ;  Daniel  Bollinger,  John  II.  TJmstad,  John  Berk- 
ley, Andrew  Spanogle,  of  Pennsylvania. 

Henry  Kurtz,  Clerk. 
James  Quinter,  Assistant  Clerk. 


ANXUAL  MEETING  OF  1856. 

As  usual,  there  was  public  worship,  not  only  on  the 
Lord's-day,  but  also  before  and  after,  as  opportunity  offered, 
at  different  places.  Monday  morning  the  council-meeting 
was  opened,  a  standing  committee  nominated,  and  to  this 
the  papers,  etc.,  handed  in,  and  distributed  among  ten 
other  committees.  On  Tuesday  morning,  after  opening 
the  meeting  with  singing  and  prayer,  the  committees  re- 
ported the  following  points  and  queries,  together  with  their 
answers,  which  were  then  further  considered,  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  : 

Article  1.  "What  is  to  be  done,  according  to  the  gospel, 
with  brethren  who  take  more  than  lawful  interest,  and  are 
not  willing  to  be  subject  to  the  decision  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1826?  The  gospel  directs  the  subjects  of 
Christ's  kingdom  to  be  subject  to  the  laws  of  the  land; 
therefore  no  brother  should  take  more  than  the  law  allows. 
If  he  doth,  he  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii., 
and  required  to  restore  what  has  been  taken  unlawfully. 

Art.  2.  Is  it  proper  for  brethren  to  have  their  property 
insured  by  insurance  companies?  Considered,  to  leave  it 
as  the  brethren  made  it  in  1847  (Art.  11),  but  we  would,  in 
addition,  advise  all  brethren  not  to  unite  or  bind  themselves 
with  or  to  any  company  or  society  of  this  world. 
13 


194  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  3.  If  members  commit  gross  sins,  such  as  fornica- 
tion, etc.,  and  there  is  no  ordained  brother  in  such  district, 
and  the  church  sends  to  the  nearest  adjoining  districts  for 
ordained  brethren,  who,  with  the  full  consent  of  the  church, 
place  such  members  under  the  ban  or  avoidance,  as  the 
apostle  saith,  "  not  to  keep  company,  if  any  man  that  is 
called  a  hrother  be  a  fornicator,"  etc.  (I.  Cor.  v.  11),  and 
afterward  the  oldest  minister  of  such  church  turns  round 
and  tells  the  members,  and  even  those  who  were  placed  in 
avoidance,  that  the  brethren  had  no  authority  or  right  to 
do  so,  and  by  so  doing  creates  considerable  uneasiness  in 
the  church?  Considered,  that  such  a  brother  has  done 
wrong,  and  that  he  should  be  corrected. 

Art.  4.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  church  unitedly 
agrees  not  to  use  ardent  spirits,  except  for  medical,  mechan- 
ical, or  communion  purpose,  and  a  member  of  said  church 
will  not  comply  with  the  above  decision?  Considered, 
that  such  member  should  be  dealt  with  as  in  other  offenses. 

Art.  5.  Would  it  not  be  best  in  holding  elections  for  the 
purpose  of  choosing  ministers  or  deacons,  that  none  of  the 
ministering  brethren  of  such  district  should  take  any  part, 
or  even  be  in  the  room  where  the  votes  of  the  members 
are  received,  but  that  brethren  of  other  districts  should  be 
called  for  said  purpose  ?  Considered,  that  every  member 
should  have  an  equal  privilege  of  giving  their  voices,  and 
that  the  remainder  of  this  query  were  best  left  to  the  con- 
trol of  the  strange  brethren. 

Art.  6.  A  request  by  the  Elk  Creek  Church,  Somerset 
County,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1859. 
Granted,  provided  the  request  be  renewed,  and  Providence 
will  allow  it. 

Art.  7.  A  request  by  the  church  in  Carroll  County,  Illi- 
nois, for  a  committee  to  settle  difficulties  existing  there. 
Granted,  and  referred  to  the  standing  committee  to  make 
the  appointment.  This  appointment  was  made,  and  Breth- 
ren Andrew  Spanogle,  Samuel  Gerber,  Daniel  Frey,  Joseph 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  195 

Eminert,  and  Samuel  Lehman,  nominated  for  this  business. 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  brother  of  another 
district  is  solicited  to  preach  a  funeral  and  fails  to  attend, 
and  the  brethren  who  reside  in  the  district  attend  and 
preach  the  funeral,  and  afterward  the  elder,  who  is  a  rela- 
tive of  the  deceased,  has  the  funeral  preached  over  again  ? 
Considered,  that  elders  ought  to  be  careful  not  to  wound 
the  feelings  of  their  fellow-laborers  by  sending  for  others 
to  do  their  work  over  again. 

Art.  9.  How  is  it  considered,  where  there  is  a  church 
with  a  bishop  and  two  speakers,  one  authorized  to  baptize, 
etc.,  and  the  other  not,  and  a  case  of  difficulty  occurs  be- 
tween two  members  and  is  brought  before  the  church,  those 
three  ministers  being  present,  but  the  two  first,  being  rela- 
tives to  the  parties,  they  authorize  the  third  to  attend  to  the 
case  and  present  it  before  the  church;  the  question  is, 
Would  it  be  considered  legal?     Considered  legal. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  agreeable  with  the  gospel  to  make  public 
collections  at  public  meetings,  before  the  world,  for  our 
laboring  brethren  ?  Considered  not  agreeable  to  the  gos- 
pel to  hold  such  collections,  before  the  world,  for  the  above 
purpose. 

Art.  11.  Is  it  becoming  for  a  brother,  especially  an  or- 
dained brother,  to  have  strings  of  bells  on  his  horses,  in 
sleighing?  Considered  not  becoming,  unless  where  it  is 
required  by  law  to  prevent  accidents,  and  can  not  be  avoided. 

Art.  12.  If  a  brother  is  sued  by  a  member  of  the  world, 
may  he  appear  and  show  his  cause  ?  If  so,  how  far  may 
he  proceed  with  the  law?  Considered,  that  he  may;  but 
if  judgment  is  given  against  him,  he  should  proceed  no 
further. 

Art.  13.  If  a  brother  is  sued  for  an  unpaid  debt,  and  it 
being  out  of  his  power  to  attend,  yet  judgment  is  given 
against  him,  may  he  take  an  appeal  to  court  for  a  greater 
or  less  amount?  Considered,  that  in  such  cases  brethreu 
have  a  right  to  a  hearing  to  bring  matters  to  light ;  yet  in 


196  MINUTES    OF 

all  such  cases  brethren  should  ask  counsel  of  the  church  to 
avoid  difficulties  to  which  they  might  subject  themselves 
by  taking  their  own  course. 

Art.  14.  The  committee  appointed  at  last  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  visit  and  confer  with  the  far  "Western  brethren,  or  a 
committee  of  them,  to  investigate  the  differences  in  doc- 
trine and  practice  existing  between  them  and  us,  submitted 
the  following  report : 

"May  8,  ,1856.  "We,  the  brethren  who  constitute  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  German  Baptist  Church,  at 
our  last  Annual  Meeting,  to  visit  the  Western  brethren 
who  recognize  Bro.  George  Wolfe,  of  Illinois,  as  their 
bishop,  by  the  grace  and  favor  of  God  were  permitted  to 
meet  at  their  meeting-house,  where  we  were  received  on 
the  most  friendly  and  Christian-like  terms,  and  after 
different  queries  were  proposed  for  our  deliberation,  the 
three  (or  four)  following  being  considered  the  most  import- 
ant, we  proceed  to  make  our  report  accordingly,  as  follows  : 

"First.  The  question  concerning  the  reality  of  a  devil 
was  considered,  and  after  comparing  opinions  and  sentiments 
on  the  subject  of  the  reality  of  such  a  being,  and  his  na- 
ture, we  agreed  upon  the  following  view :  That  the  Script- 
ures recognize^a  devil,  or  an  evil  spirit,"  that  manifests 
itself  in  the  flesh. 

"Second.  On  the  doctrine  of  universal  salvation,  which 
denies  punishment  hereafter,  we  cordially  agreed  with  Bro. 
Wolfe  that  all  men  shall  receive  hereafter  according  to  the 
deeds  done  in  the  body,  whether  they  be  good  or  bad. 

"Third.  On  the  subject  of  feet-washing,  Bro.  Wolfe  is 
firm  in  the  opinion  that  one  person  should  both  wash  and 
wipe  the  feet  of  a  number  of  brethren,  and  then  another, 
and  so  on,  until  all  are  washed ;  but  he  is  willing  to  con- 
form to  the  practice  of  the  brethren  in  general,  when  in 
communion-meeting  with  them,  and  begs  for  forbearance 
on  the  part  of  the  brethren  in' general,  until  they  shall 
all  come  to  see  alike. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        197 

"Fourth.  Bro.  Wolfe  is  likewise  strongly  of  the  opinion 
that  no  time  should  be  spent  between  the  eating  of  the 
supper  and  the  breaking  of  bread  (the  communion)  but, 
that  the  whole  ceremony  should  be  prosecuted  without 
intermission  or  delay. 

"It  is  the  sincere  desire  of  Bro.  Wolfe  that,  however 
these  sentiments  may  clash  with  the  general  practice  of 
the  brethren,  they  may  not  be  considered  a  sufficient  cause 
why  they  should  not  be  received  in  communion  and  fellow- 
ship with  the  brethren ;  with  which  views  we,  the  com- 
mittee, unanimously  agree,  and  present  this  our  report  to 
the  brethren  in  general  council  met,  for  their  deliberation 
and  concurrence. 

"  Signed  by  David  Hardman,  J.  II.  Umstad,  J.  H.  Tra- 
•cey,  A.  Moss,  John  Metzger,  S.  Lehman,  C.  Long." 

Art.  15.  Can  a  brother,  or  one  that  calls  himself  one, 
be  a  witness  in  church  matters,  without  bringing  a  certifi- 
cate of  membership  from  the  church  whence  he  came? 
Considered,  that  members  should  always  have  letters  of 
membership,  or  be  known  as  full  members. 

Art.  16.  A  request  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1858  in 
the  Wabash  Valley,  Indiana.  Granted,  unless  unforseen 
providences  should  prevent  it. 

Art.  17.  How  far  may  brethren  go  in  trading  or  trafic- 
ing  without  transgressing  the  limits  of  the  gospel,  and 
what  is  to  be  done  with  brethren  who  will  not  comply  with 
the  counsel  of  the  church  in  such  cases?  Regarding  the 
first  point,  considered  dangerous,  and  brethren  should  not 
engage  in  it;  as  to  the  latter  point,  see  Matt.  xvur.  17. 

Art.  18.  How  are  we  to  hold  a  brother  and  sister  who 
lived  together  tor  some  years  in  lawful  matrimony,  but  not 
very  agreeably,  and  now  they  are  separated — the  brother 
living  with  his  children  in  Iowa,  and  the  sister  with  her 
friends  in  Ohio?  The  church  or  churches  where  such 
members  live  should  investigate  the   matter,  and  judge 


198  MINUTES   OF 

according  to  the  gospel  and  the  circumstances  or  facts  in 
the  case,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

Art.  19.  "Would  it  not  be  nearer  the  Word  to  have  the 
supper  prepared  and  on  the  table  before  commencing  to 
wash  feet  ?     Referred  to  Minutes  of  1849,  Art.  19. 

Art.  20.  Is  it  the  rule  and  order  among  the  brethren  to 
forward  a  brother  to  baptize  at  the  same  time  he  is  put  in 
the  ministry  ?     Answer,  No. 

Art.  21.  How  is  it  considered,  when  a  branch  of  a  church 
separates  itself  from  the  main  body,  forwards  its  ministers 
without  a  bishop  being  present,  and  pretends  to  act  inde- 
pendent of  the  counsel  of  the  church  and  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing ?  Considered,  that  such  proceedings  are  wrong,  and 
highly  dangerous,  so  that  love  induces  us  to  charge  a  com- 
mittee to  visit  that  church  and  branch. 

Art.  22.  A  letter  from  Virginia  urging  that  this  Yearly 
Meeting  devise  a  plan  how  the  church  could  fulfill  the 
command  of  the  Savior  (Matt.  xvin.  19)  more  effectually, 
so  that  the  article  8,  on  our  Minutes  of  1852,  shoud  not  re- 
main a  dead  letter.  This  meeting  recommends  the  subject 
to  the  serious  consideration  of  all  the  churches. 

Art.  23.  A  proposal  for  forming  districts  of  five,  six,  or 
more  adjoining  churches,  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  jointly 
at  least  once  a  year,  settling  difficulties,  etc.,  and  thus  lessen- 
ing the  business  of  our  general  Yearly  Meeting.  We  be- 
lieve this  plan  to  be  a  good  one,  if  carried  out  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord. 

Art.  24.  If  a  man  shall  put  away  his  wife  for  the  cause 
of  fornication — procuring  a  bill  of  divorcement,  and  mar- 
rying another — has  he  committed  the  sin  of  adultery,  or 
could  he  be  received  into  the  church,  all  the  parties  still 
living,  if  he  in  all  other  respects  brings  forth  fruits  meet 
for  repentance?  After  a  lengthy  discussion,  this  matter 
was  referred  to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

Art.  25.  Would  it  be  proper  to  reconsider  the  7th  query 
of  1851,  concerning  the  putting  up  of  lightning-rods  ?     We 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         199 

would  not  advise  brethren  to  put  up  those  rods,  but  that 
the  brethren  should  bear  with  one  another  in  love  in  such 
matters. 

Art.  26.  "Would  it  be  proper  to  reconsider  the  6th  query 
of  1848?  Seeing  it  is  admitted  that  sisters  should  wear  a 
covering,  what  should  that  covering  be,  according  to  the 
gospel  ?  "We  are  satisfied,  with  our  ancient  brethren,  that 
the  plain  cap,  worn  by  our  dear  aged  sisters,  is  a  covering, 
as  required  by  the  scripture  according  to  Paul. 

Art.  17.  Does  Christian  fellowship,  according  to  the  gos- 
pel, forbid,  or  require,  or  leave  it  optional  for  brethren, 
wThen  meeting  in  cities,  towns,  or  at  public  gatherings, 
when  extending  the  salutation  of  the  hand,  to  accompany 
the  same  with  the  salutation  of  the  holy  kiss  ?  Considered, 
optional. 

Art.  28.  A  request  from  the  church  in  Fayette  County, 
Pennsylvania,  to  have  our  dear  brother,  James  Quinter,  or- 
dained for  the  office  of  an  overseer  at  this  Yearly  Meeting. 
Concluded,  that  inasmuch  as  this  brother  had  not  been  able 
to  be  present  here,  Brethren  Joseph  Showalter,  of  Stark, 
and  Henry  Kurtz,  of  Mahoning,  Ohio,  be  appointed  as  a 
committee  to  attend  to  this  business. 

Art.  29.  In  relation  to  the  brethren  in  Germany,  it  ap- 
pears from  all  the  documents  and  information  presented  to 
us,  that  they  differ  from  us  on  baptism,  feet-washing,  and 
other  points  of  faith  and  practice ;  hence,  until  we  have  a 
better  evidence  of  their  agreement  with  us  in  sentiment, 
and  of  their  willingness  to  receive  the  doctrine  of  Christ 
as  we  have  received  it,  we  can  not  acknowledge  them  yet 
as  brethren  of  the  same  faith  with  us,  and  inasmuch  as  they 
expressly  refuse  to  accept  of  our  charity,  it  should  be  re- 
served for  future  use.  The  letter  of  these  brethren  to  be 
published  in  the  "Gospel  Visitor." 

Art.  30.  Request  from  the  church  on  Owl  Creek,  Knox 
County,  Ohio,  for  a  committee  to  settle  some  difficulties. 
Concluded,  that  Brethren  George  Hoke,  Elias  Dicky,  Jacob 


200  MINUTES    OF 

Gerber,  II.  D.  Davy,  and  J.  P.  Ebersole  should  be  that 
committee. 

Art.  31.  Request  from  Hunterdon  County,  ISTew  Jersey, 
for  a  committee  to  investigate  certain  matters  in  the  church 
there.  Considered,  that  Brethren  Andrew  Spanogle  and 
Peter  Long,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  John  Kline,  John  "Wine, 
and  Martin  Miller,  of  Virginia,  should  visit  that  church, 
and  try  to  settle  their  difficulties. 

Art.  32.  In  regard  to  the  still  existing  difficulties  in  the 
Coventry  Church,  Chester  County,  Pennsylvania,  we  could 
see  no  other  remedy,  in  the  present  lamentable  aspect  of 
things,  than  that  either  the  whole  church  unite  sincerely 
to  submit  to  the  advice  given  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and 
the  committee  sent  there  in  1854,  or  to  establish  that  part 
of  the  church  which  is  so  inclined  as  a  separate  body  or 
church,  and  in  order  to  accomplish  either  a  true  reconcilia- 
tion or  peaceable  separation,  the  last-named  committee  is 
also  appointed  for  this  business,  and  likwise  for  that  on 
Indian  Creek,  referred  to  in  article  21,  above. 

Art.  33.  By  request  of  Bro.  George  Hoke,  who  wishes 
to  resign  his  agency  of  the  Garber  charity  fund,  it  was 
concluded  that  Bro.  Elias  Dicky  should  take  charge  of  the 
same. 

Art.  34.  An  appeal  from  a  number  of  members  in  Story 
County,  Iowa,  to  send  brethren  to  them  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a  church.  Left  to  those  ordained  elders  who 
contemplate  a   journey  to  that  new  and  growing  state. 

Art.  35.  A  number  of  papers  were  handed  in  concern- 
ing difficulties  in  Covington  Church,  Miami  County,  Ohio, 
which  contain  as  many  queries  as  would  occupy  a  meeting 
for  several  days,  and  inasmuch  as  the  settlement  of  the 
difficulties  has  been  tried  again  and  again,  by  able  and  im- 
partial'committees,  and  agreed  to  by  the  church,  yet  with- 
out the  desired  effect;  also,  inasmuch  as  said  church  is 
excessively  large  and  numerous,  we  would  advise  the  church 
to  be  divided  into  two  districts,  hoping  and  praying  that 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE   BRETHREN.  201 

this  may  issue  in  a  peaceable  settlement  and  reconciliation. 
For  this  purpose  the  following  brethren  were  appointed 
as  a  committee  :  George  Shively,  James  Tracey,  Jacob  Mil- 
ler, John  Metzger,  George  Hoover,  Jacob  Metzger,  David 
Hardman,  all  of  Indiana,  and  Peter  Nead  and  Daniel  Miller, 
of  Ohio. 

Art.  3G.  A  request  from  the  church  in  Highland  County, 
Ohio,  for  a  committee  to  visit  .said  church.  Granted,  and 
the  committee  last  named  also  appointed  for  this  business. 

Art.  37.  A  renewed  invitation  from  our  beloved  brethren 
in  "Washington  County,  Maryland,  for  the  next  Yearly 
Meeting,  on  Pentecost,  1857,  to  be  held  at  their  meeting- 
house, where  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1838  had  taken  place, 
eight  miles  south  of  Hagerstown,  and  thirteen  miles  north- 
east of  Kearneysville,  Jefferson  County,  Virginia,  at  both 
of  which  places  brethren  traveling  by  public  conveyance 
will  be  able  to  procure  conveyance  to  the  place  of  meeting, 
as  there  will  be  arrangements  made  accordingly  by  the 
resident  brethren.  Brethren  at  a  distance,  desiring  further 
information,  by  addressing  Elder  Daniel  Eeichard,  sen., 
College  of  St.  James,  Washington  County,  Maryland,  will 
be  promptly  and  cheerfully  attended  to.  This  invitation 
was  gratefully  accepted,  and  hence  our  next  Yearly  Meet- 
ing is  appointed  to  take  place  on  Pentecost,  1857,  God  will- 
ing, at  the  brethren's  meeting-house  above  designated,  in 
Washington  County,  Maryland. 

Art.  38.  Brothers  Henry  Kurtz  and  James  Quinter  were 
appointed  as  a  committee  to  enter  into  arrangements  with 
the  railroad  companies  for  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Signed  by  the  following  brethren  :  George  Hoke,  George 
Shively,  John  Leatherman,  J  acob  Long,  Peter  Nead,  James 
Tracey,  Joseph  Emmert,  John  Berkley,  Andrew  Spanogle, 
John  Kline,  Joseph  Arnold,  Daniel  Miller. 

Henry  Kurtz,  Clerk. 


202  MINUTES    OF 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1857. 

Public  worship  commenced  on  Lord's-day  morning,  May 
31st ;  and,  to  afford  the  large  concourse  of  people  present 
as  favorable  an  opportunity  of  hearing  the  gospel  preached 
as  possible,  there  was  preaching  at  three  different  places. 
At  two  of  those  places  the  preaching  was  all  in  the  English 
language,  and  at  the  other  place  in  the  English  and  Ger- 
man. 

The  council-meeting  was  opened  on  Monday  morning, 
with  devotional  exercises.  The  standing  committee  was 
then  appointed,  and  it  immediately  proceeded  to  prepare 
business  for  the  meeting.  While  the  standing  committee 
was  receiving  the  delegates,  appointing  the  sub-committees, 
etc.,  there  was  public  preaching. 

The  sub-committees  commenced  reporting  on.  Monday 
afternoon,  and  the  following  queries  were  reported  and  an- 
swered, as  herein  stated : 

Article  1.  Concerning  the  use  of  ardent  spirits  among 
the  brethren.  Considered,  that  every  brother  that  is  in- 
trusted with  the  oversight  of  a  church,  should  exert  his 
influence,  by  example  and  precept,  to  induce  all  the  mem- 
bers of  his  congregation  to  abstain  altogether  from  the  use 
of  ardent  spirits,  as  an  article  of  luxury  or  as  a  drink,  and 
not  to  give  it  to  working  hands  to  drink,  admitting  it  only 
for  medical  and  mechanical  purposes.  The  same  advice  is 
given  to  all  the  officers,  in  all  the  churches,  throughout  our 
whole  brotherhood. 

Art.  2.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  to  have  the  supper 
on  the  table  at  the  time  the  feet  are  washed?  Answer: 
Inasmuch  as  it  is  not  expressly  declared  that  Jesus  rose 
from  the  table,  he  may  probably  have  risen  from  a  prepared 
supper,  and  as  the  brethren  have  the  supper  prepared  be- 
fore they  proceed  to  the  washing  of  feet,  with  their  past 
practices  in  relation  to  these  things  we  are  satisfied. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         203 

Art.  3.  Is  it  prudent  to  publish  fictitious  names  to  arti- 
cles published  in  public  prints  ?  Answer  :  It  is  not  prudent 
for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  4.  Does  that  part  of  the  eighteenth  chapter  of  the 
gospel  according  to  Matthew,  which  is  read  to  applicants 
for  baptism,  cover  all  cases  of  trespasses  and  and  offenses, 
public  and  private  ?  Answer:  No  ;  it  does  not  contain  al 
the  divine  law  upon  the  subject  of  offenses,  but  it  is  thi 
best  rule  to  pursue  with  offending  members. 

Art.  5.  When  the  churches  send  messengers  to  represent 
them  in  the  Annual  Council,  should  they  not  have  their 
traveling  expenses,  to  and  from  the  place  of  meeting,  de- 
frayed by  the  churches  which  send  them?  Answer:  Yes, 
they  should,  if  they  require  it. 

Art.  6.  As  the  subject  of  slavery  has  often  been  before 
the  Annual  Meeting,  and  as  it  has  always  been  considered 
that  no  brother  can,  according  to  the  gospel,  hold  a  fellow- 
creature  in  bondage  (to  which  we  say,  Amen),  what,  then, 
is  to  be  done  with  brethren  who  do  not  observe  the  advice 
given  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  this  or  in  any  other  re- 
spect? Answer:  That  such  churches  or  members  should 
be  visited,  and  if  not  willing  to  liberate  their  slaves,  they 
should  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  gospel  manner  of 
dealing  with  all  gross  transgressions. 

Art.  7.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  church  in 
Monroe  County,  Iowa.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the 
following  brethren  were  appointed  on  the  committee :  Sam- 
uel Lehman,  Christ.  Long,  Geo.  Butterbaugh,  Dan.  Frey, 
John  Metzger,  Sam.  Garver,  Hiel  Hamilton,  and  John  P. 
Ebersole. 

Art.  8.  The  twenty-fourth  query  on  the  minutes  of  1856 
being  brought  forward,  it  was  concluded  best  for  such 
churches  as  have  occasion  to  act  on  such  cases,  to  act  in  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  according  to  their  knowledge  of  the 
cases. 

Art.  9.  Why  do  not  the  sisters   break  the   bread,  and 


20-i  MINUTES    OF 

pass  the  cup  to  each  other,  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
brethren  do,  at  the  communion  ?  Answer:  Man  being  the 
head  of  the  woman,  and  it  having  been  the  practice  of  the 
church,  from  time  immemorial,  for  the  officiating  brethren 
to  break  the  bread  to  the  sisters,  we  know  of  no  scriptural 
leason  for  makiug  a  change  in  our  practice. 

Art.  10.  How  is  it  considered  for  brethren,  and  espe- 
cially ministering  brethren,  to  adorn  their  children  with 
ear-rings,  breast-pins,  finger-rings,  and  jewelry  in  general, 
and  send  them  from  home  to  have  them  taught  music,  and 
to  procure  pianos  for  them?  Answer:  Brethren  should 
not  do  so. 

Art.  11.  How  is  it  considered  for  brethren  to  have  Sab- 
bath schools,  conducted  by  the  brethren?  Answer:  Inas- 
much as  we  are  commanded  to  bring  up  our  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the\Lord,  we  know  of  no 
scripture  which  condemns  Sabbath-schools,  if  couducted 
in  gospel  order,  and  if  they  are  made  the  means  of  teach- 
ing scholars  a  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures. 

Art.  12.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  poor  brother  becomes 
insane,  and  void  of  all  reason,  so  much  so  as  to  become 
dangerous,  and  very  troublesome,  and  a  place  can  scarcely 
be  obtained  for  him  in  a  private  family  upon  any  condition, 
a  poor-house  being  in  the  county,  are  the  brethren  bound 
to  keep  him,  according  to  the  gospel,  or  are  they  permitted 
to  deliver  him  to  the  trustees  of  the  poor,  to  take  charge 
of  him  ?  Answer :  A  member  of  the  church  should  not  be 
put  into  the  poor-house,  if  it  can  possibly  be  avoided. 

Art.  13.  "What  right  have  any  two  or  three  churches  to 
reconsider  the  action  of  another  church,  and  that  without 
any  representation  from  the  church  upon  whose  decision 
they  sit  in  judgment,  and  "then  reinstate  members  which 
said  church-had  excluded?  Answer:  We  consider  that 
one  branch  of  the  church  has  no  right  to  restore  a  member 
to  his  place  in  the  church,  when  he  had  been  excluded  by 
another  branch  of  the  church,  without  the  concurrence  of 
the  church  which  excluded  him. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         205 

Art.  14.  How  is  it  considered,  if  ministering  brethren 
take  as  much  as  ten  dollars,  as  a  fee  for  performing  the 
marriage  ceremony;  and  does  the  gospel  allow  ministers  a 
fee  under  any  circumstances  ?  Answer:  The  gospel  does 
not  allow  ministers  to  take  a  fee. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  really  considered  a  sin,  according  to  the 
gospel,  for  members  of  the  church  to  have  their  likenesses 
taken?  Answer:  Members  of  the  church  should  not  have 
their  likenesses  taken. 

Art.  16.  Inasmuch  as  it  is  considered,  by  the  brethren, 
that  we  have  no  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  to  use  the 
law  in  collecting  debts-,  or  to  sue  at  law,  would  not  a 
brother  who  has  done  so,  or  may  do  so,  fall  into  the  judg- 
ment of  the  church?  Answer:  This  subject  has  frequently 
been  discussed  in  our  Annual  Meetings,  and  we  can  not, 
we  think,  come  to  a  better  conclusion  than  our  dear  breth- 
ren came  to  in  1852;  and  as  no  brother  should  be  his  own 
judge  in  this  matter,  the  brethren,  very  wisely,  added  the 
proviso,  that  in  all  cases  the  church  should  be  consulted, 
aud  if  the  council  is  disregarded,  those  who  disregard  it 
will  fall  into  the  judgment  of  the  church. 

Art.  17.  A  request  from  the  Clover  Creek  Church,  in 
Blair  County,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in 
1860.  The  request  was  favorably  received,  and  will  be  con- 
sidered at  a  future  meeting. 

Art.  18.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Swatara 
Church,  in  Dauphin  County,  Pennsylvania.  The  request 
was  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were  appointed  on 
the  committee:  Peter  Long,  Andrew  Spanogle,  Sam.  Har- 
ley,  John  Glock,  John  Holsinger,  and  George  Brumbaugh. 

Art.  19.  What  are  the  views  of  the  present  Annual 
Council  in  regard  to  the  contemplated  school,  that  was  al- 
luded to,  some  time  since,  in  the  "Gospel  Visitor?"  An- 
swer: It  is  conforming  to  the  world.  The  Apostle  Paul 
says  :  "  Knowledge  pufl'eth  up,  but  charity  edifieth." 

Art.  20.  Do  not  those  administrators  of  baptism,  who 


206  MINUTES    OF 

make  the  candidates  for  baptism  renounce  all  the  world 
require  too  much  of  the  candidates,  since  we  all  have  more 
or  less  to  do  with  the  world?  Would  it  not  be  more 
proper  to  require  of  them  to  renounce  only  what  is  con- 
trary to  the  gospel?  Answer:  The  third  article  of  the 
minutes  of  1848,  contains  the  proper  renunciation  of  the 
world.  The  passage  in  that  article,  referred  to  here,  reads 
thus:  "Dost  thou  renounce  all  the  sinful  pleasures  of  this 
world?" 

Art.  21.  Would  it  not  be  better,  in  deciding  upon  all 
subjects  brought  before  our  Annual  Meetings,  to  refer  first 
to  the  word  of  God,  instead  of  first  referring  to  the  old 
minutes  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  always  safest  to  refer  first 
to  the  word  of  God. 

Art.  22.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to 
teach  singing-schools?  Answer:  We  consider  it  best  for 
brethren  not  to  teach  singing-school  on  the  Sabbath  or  at 
night. 

Art.  23.  If  persons,  who  are  not  members  of  the  church, 
become  subscribers  to  the  "  Gospel  Visitor,"  should  the 
editors  send  the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Meeting  to  such  ? 
Answer :  We  think  it  not  wrong  to  send  the  minutes  of 
the  Annual  Meeting  to  all  who  desire  them,  and  pay  for 
them. 

Art.  24.  Would  it  not  be  best  for  churches,  in  selecting 
delegates  to  represent  them  at  the  Annual  Council,  to 
make  choice  of  one  deacon,  or  of  one  lay  member,  to  serve 
as  a  delegate  in  connection  with  one  ministering  brother, 
and  thus  relieve  the  ministry  from  the  responsible  position 
of  being  the  exclusive  advisers  of  the  churches  ?  Answer : 
We  think  it  should  be  left  to  the  churches  to  select  such 
members  for  delegates  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Art.  25.  It  is  requested  that  the  ninth  article  of  the  min- 
utes of  1855  be  again  taken  into  consideration,  because  of 
great  difficulties  and  dissatisfaction  which  have  arisen  from 
the  same.    It  seems,  according  to  that  article,  to  be  consid- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  TUE  BRETHREN.         207 

ered  an  error  to  teach  remission  of  sins  before  baptism. 
This  seems  difficult  and  dark,  and  we  desire  a  better  ex- 
planation of  the  matter.  If  we  receive  no  more  light  to 
satisfy  our  members,  and  even  our  teachers,  we  have  fears 
of  serious  troubles  in  the  brotherhood.  Answer:  We  do 
not  think  that  we  can  give  more  satisfaction  than  is  given 
in  the  ninth  article  of  the  minutes  of  1855,  as  the  senti- 
ments there  expressed  seem  to  be  in  accordance  with  the 
gospel,  and  we,  therefore,  adopt  that  answer. 

Art.  26.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  church 
m  Clarion  County,  Pennsylvania,  to  settle  difficulties.  The 
request  was  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  appointed 
on  the  committee  :  Andrew  Spanogle,  Abraham  Rothrock, 
David  Meyers,  Joseph  Hanawalt,  and  John  Clock. 

Art.  27.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Ridge 
Church,  in  Cumberland  County,  Pennsylvania.  The  re- 
quest was  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were  ap- 
pointed on  the  committee:  Christian  Keefer,  Isaac  Pfoutz, 
Jacob  Saylor,  Philip  Boyle,  and  Geo.  Beer. 

Art.  28.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Tulpe- 
hocken  Church,  in  Lebanon  County,  Pennsylvania,  to  set- 
tle difficulties  existing  there.  The  request  was  granted, 
and  the  same  committee  appointed  to  visit  this  church  that 
was  appointed  to  visit  the  Swatara  Church,  in  Dauphin 
County,  Pennsylvania.     (See  Art.  18). 

Art.  29.  The  Marsh  Creek  Church,  in  Adams  County, 
Pennsylvania,  requests  a  reconsideration  of  Art.  39,  of  the 
minutes  of  1853,  relating  to  the  salutation  of  the  kiss,  at 
baptism,  the  communion,  and  at  ordinations.  Answer :  It 
is  neither  expedient,  nor  desirable,  to  make  any  change  in 
the  aforesaid  article  of  the  minutes. 

Art.  30.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  brethren  to 
serve  in  the  capacity  of  any  of  the  civil  officers  under  our 
government;  and  is  there  any  material  difference,  as  to 
state,  county,  or  township  officers?  Answer :  We  consider 
it  wrong  for  brethren  to  accept  of  any  office,  which  requires 


203  MINUTES    OF 

them  to  administer  an  oath,  or  to  use  physical  force,  in  per- 
forming the  duties  of  that  office. 

Art.  31.  Would  it  not  be  advisable  to  change  the  time  of 
holding  our  Annual  Meetings,  as  Whitsuntide  comes  too 
early  some  seasons,  especially  in  some  parts  of  the  country? 
Answer :  We  judge  it  best  to  make  no  change  in  the  time 
of  holding  our  Annual  Council. 

Art.  32.  If  a  brother  removes  from  one  church  to  another, 
and  is  received  by  the  church  to  which  he  removes  as  a  full 
member,  by  certificate  or  otherwise,  and  afterward  a  diffi- 
culty arises  with  him  in  the  church  in  which  he  formerly 
resided,  is  his  case  to  be  tried  in  the  church  into  which  he 
removed,  or  is  he  to  have  his  trial  in  the  church  in  which 
the  difficulty  originated?  Answer:  It  is  judged  proper 
that  his  case  be  referred  back  to  the  church  from  which  he 
removed. 

Art.  33.  A  request  from  the  Elk  Creek  Church,  Somer- 
set County,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1859. 
The  request  was  favorably  received,  but  rio  definite  decision 
made. 

Art.  34.  A  request  from  the  Limestone  Church,  in  Wash- 
ington County,  Tennessee,  for  the  Annual  Meeting,  as  soon 
as  convenient,  if  suitable,  in  1860.  The  request  was  favor- 
ably received  but  no  answer  given. 

Art.  35.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Ashland 
Church,  in  Ashland  County,  Ohio.  The  request  was 
granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were  appointed  :  J.  P. 
Ebersole,  Joseph  Showalter,  Henry  Davy,  Christian  Wise, 
and  David  Fackler. 

Art.  36.  A  renewal  of  the  request  from  the  Bachelor  Run 
Church,  Indiana,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1858.  This 
request  was  thankfully  received,  and  granted.  Conse- 
quently, our  next  Yearly  Meeting  will  be  held,  the  Lord 
willing,  on  Pentecost,  1858,  with  the  brethren  of  Bachelor 
Run  Church,  Carroll  County,  Indiana.  The  place  of  meet- 
ing will   be  the  Bachelor  Run   meeting-house,  ten   miles 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        209 

southeast  of  Delphi.     Persons  traveling  by  public  convey- 
ance will  go  to  Delphi. 

Signed  by  John  H.  Umstad,  Andrew  Spanogle,  Christ. 
Keefer,  John  Wine,  Abraham  Neff,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  George 
Hoke,  John  Metzger,  Abraham  Moss,  Joseph  Emmert, 
Samuel  Garver. 

D.  P.  Satlor,  Clerk. 

James  Quinter,  Assistant  Cler 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1858. 

The  number  of  brethren  assembled  on  Saturday  being 
very  large,  there  was  a  meeting  for  worship  held  in  the 
afternoon.  On  Lord's-day,  in  order  to  give  the  people  the- 
best  opportunities  the  circumstances  would  permit  for 
hearing  the  word  of  the  Lord  preached,  divine  service  was 
performed  at  different  places.  On  Monday  morning  the 
council-meeting  was  organized  by  appointing  the  standing- 
committee  and  secretaries.  The  delegates  then  presented 
themselves,  and  the  papers  addressed  to  the  council  were 
received.  There  were  represented  at  this  council-meeting 
one  hundred  and  twenty-two  churches.  The  delegates 
from  these  churches  were  divided  into  fifteen  committees, 
and  to  them  were  given  the  papers  designed  to  come  before 
the  council,  in  order  that  they  might  report  upon  them. 
On  Tuesday  morning  after  the  devotional  exercises  were 
performed,  the  committees  began  to  report,  and  it  was  as- 
certained that  the  following  queries  were  before  the  coun- 
cil. They  were  considered  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  answer- 
ed as  herein  stated. 

Article  1.  Can  a  person  be  received  into  the  church 

who  is  uncle  to  his  wife  ?     Or,  do  the  brethren  think  the 

gospel  will  not  allow  such  a  person  becoming  a  member  of 

the  church  ?    Considered,  that  if  he  is  uncle  to  his  wife  by 

14 


210  MINUTES   OF 

marriage,  he  may  be  received,  if  by   blood   relation,  he 
should  not  be. 

Art.  2.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  of  Christ  for  breth- 
ren, especially  bishops,  in  speaking  on  the  final  destinies 
of  the  ungodly,  to  preach  publicly  that  they  shall  be  pun- 
ished with  everlasting  destruction  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  privately  teach  that  all  will  be  restored  everlast- 
ingly, whether  they  know  God  and  obey  the  gospel  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  or  not  ?  And  if  asked  the  question  by  an 
alien  whether  the  devil  himself  will  be  saved,  make  no  reply  ? 
Answer :  We  think  brethren  should  be  careful  not  to  con- 
tradict privately  what  they  preach  publicly. 

Art.  3.  Is  it  consistent  to  preach  eternal  punishment, 
and  at  the  same  time  to  peddle  Winchester's  Dialogues  on 
Restoration  ?  Tell  us  how  it  is.  Answer :  If  a  brother 
preaches  eternal  punishment,  it  would  be  inconsistent  for 
him  to  distribute  Winchester's  Dialogues  on  the  Restora- 
tion. 

Art.  4.  It  is  according  to  the  gospel  of  Christ  in  paying 
our  annual  visit,  to  collect  from  twenty  to  thirty  of  the 
brethren  together  in  one  place,  and  then  the  bishops  pay 
the  visit  to  them  openly  when  they  are  all  together,  and 
then  send  them  out  two  or  three  together  and  visit  those 
that  were  not  thus  collected  ?  Or,  is  the  duty  restricted  to 
the  visiting  brethren  exclusively,  and  should  the  visit  be 
made  from  house  to  house  ?  Answer:  As  we  have  no  direct 
rule  in  the  gospel  for  making  the  visit,  we  think  it  best  for 
visiting  brethren  to  go  from  house  to  house. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  required  of  those  who  are  so  unfortunate  as 
to  have  their  companions  put  in  avoidance,  not  to  accom- 
pany with  them  as  man  and  wife  ?  Considered,  that  as  the 
apostle  says  we  are  not  to  eat  with  them,  we  think  his 

prohibition  is  sufficient. 

Art.  6.  How  are  we  to  proceed  with  members  who  come 
to  our  love-feasts,  from  other  congregations,  and  who  when 
they  leave  home  are  dressed  after  the  gay  fashions  of  the 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        211 

world,  and  during  the  day  change  their  dress  several  times, 
and  put  on  in  the  evening  a  plainer  dress  to  go  to  the  commu- 
nion table  ?  Is  it  enough  simply  to  admonish  such  members, 
or  should  the  church  in  which  they  live  be  informed  ?  And 
must  we  indeed  commune  with  such  members,  when  some 
of  the  members  in  the  church  are  grieved  by  such  conduct  ? 
Considered,  that  it  is  wrong  for  members  to  do  so,  but  they 
should  not  be  debarred  from  the  privilege  of  communing 
until  the  brethren  of  the  district  in  which  they  live  have 
been  informed,  and  until  they  have  been  reproved,  and 
afterward  continue  disobedient. 

Art.  7.  What  is  to  be  done  when  a  man  puts  away  his 
wife  for  the  cause  of  adultery  and  obtains  a  bill  of  divorce- 
ment, and  marries  again ;  the  church  not  knowing  of  this, 
nor  he  that  the  church  disallows  of  such  for  some  two  years 
after  he  has  become  a  member.  Answer:  "We  have  not 
light  enough  at  present  to  give  any  advice  different  from 
what  the  brethren  have  formerly  given. 

Art.  8.  Does  the  gospel  convey  the  idea  that  the  public 
practical  use  of  the  spiritual  gifts,  such  as  prayer,  exhorta- 
tion, teaching,  doctrine,  and  prophesying,  etc.,  are  alone 
confined  to  the  chosen  officers  of  the  church,  or  does  it 
extend  that  privilege  to  every  member,  especially  male 
members  of  the  church,  if  the  influence  of  the  spirit  of 
Christ  so  dictate  to  him  ?  Answer :  As  it  regards  prayer, 
it  is  considered  that'private  members  may  pray  in  public,  if 
liberty  be  given  by  elder  brethern.  But  exhortation,  teach- 
ing and  prophesying  seem  to  be  duties  and  privileges  belong- 
ing to  the  officers  of  the  church.     (See  I.  Cor.  xiv.  32). 

Art.  9.  Would  it  not  be  advisable  for  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  make  a  form  for  the  brethren  to  perform  matrimony  ? 
Answer :  It  is  thought  not  advisable. 

Art.  10.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  difficulty  arises 
between  husband  and  wife,  and  the  wife  depart  from  her 
husband,  is  it  the  duty  of  the  husband  to  pursue  the 
course  prescribed  in  Matt.  xvm.  15-17?  Answer:  "We 
consider  it  is. 


212  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  11.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  to  expel  a  brother 
from  his  office,  whether  deacon  or  minister,  and  yet  leave  him 
stand  as  a  member?  Answer:  We  have  a  right — accord- 
ing to  the  gospel;  inasmuch  as  he  is  put  into  office  by  the 
council  of  the  church,  by  the  council  of  the  church  the  office 
can  be  taken  from  him.     I.  Tim.  in. 

Art.  12.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  for  a  church  to 
grant  the  privilege  to  a  member  to  do  certain  things,  and 
at  the  same  time  debar  him  from  the  communion  for  so 
doing?  Answer:  That  no  church,  according  to  the  gospel, 
has  a  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  13.  If  the  churches  demand  committees  by  the 
Annual  Meeting,  to  visit  them  to  settle  difficulties  among 
them,  would  it  be  advisable  for  said  churches  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  said  committees.  Answer:  The  churches  call- 
ing committees  should  defray  the  traveling  expenses. 

Art.  14.  "Would  it  not  be  advisable  for  those  who  wish 
to  have  the  minutes,  to  pay  a  few  more  cents  to  the  pub- 
lishers and  have  them  sent  in  a  sealed  letter,  more  privately 
than  I, they  heretofore  have  been  sent?  Referred  to  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1857.  (We  think  it  not  wrong  to  send 
the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Meeting  to  all  who  desire  them 
and  pay  for  them.     Minutes  of  1857,  Art.  23.) 

Art.  15.  Would  it  not  be  agreeable  to  the  gospel,  and 
the  order  of  the  brethren,  when  the  standing  committee 
appoints  committees  to  go  to  other  churches  to  settle  diffi- 
culties, to  authorize  such  brethren  that  circumstances  will 
not  permit  to  attend  such  council,  to  send  some  other  or- 
dained brethren  in  their  places,  so  that  there  will  be  a  full 
committee?  Considered,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  such  breth- 
ren, that  can  not  go,  to  appoint  others  in  their  places,  that 
the  committee  may  be  full. 

Art.  16.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother,  that  is  a  deacon,  to  give 
out  a  hymn  and  sing  it,  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  before  the 
time  appointed  for  commencing  meeting,  when  the  house, 
or  room,  is  full  of  people,  or  is  it  more  advisable  to  remain 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        213 

silent  till  the  time  for  commencing  meeting  arrives  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  see  no  impropriety  in  singing,  when,  in  the 
estimation  of  the  church,  it  is  done  to  its  own  edification, 
and  to  the  honor  of  God. 

Art.  17.  Is  it  right  for  a  speaker  to  sing  a  hymn,  or  a 
part  of  a  hymn,  at  the  time  of  the  communion,  when  the 
wine  is  passing  round  ?     Considered,  it  is  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  18.  Whereas,  we  are  aware  that  the  decision  of  the 
last  Annual  Meeting,  in  relation  to  the  subject  presented 
in  the  fourteenth  query  of  said  meeting,  has  given  a  great 
•deal  of  dissatisfaction,  and  is,  to  a  great  extent  disregarded, 
thus  bringing  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting  into  dis- 
respect; we  therefore  recommend  that  this  meeting  recon- 
sider that  subject,  and  if  the  decision  of  the  last  meeting  is 
•sustained,  it  is  desirable  that  some  scriptural  authority 
should  be  given  for  it,  as  should  be  done  in  all  cases.  Re- 
considered, and  concluded  to  adopt  the  decision  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting  of  1843.  (Considered,  that  this  meeting  can 
not  advise  brethren  to  take  a  fee,  and  would  leave  it,  as  a 
matter  of  conscience,  to  the  ministering  brother,  with  the 
.advice  of  the  church  in  which  he  lives.  Minutes  of  1848, 
Art.  9.) 

Art.  19.  What  is  the  ancient  and  established  order  of 
the  brethren  in  advancing  speakers  to  the  second  degree  of 
office?  Are  they  received  with  hand  and  kiss?  Consid- 
ered, that  the  proper  way  is  to  receive  them  with  hand  and 
kiss. 

Art.  20.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  to  enforce 
the  law  in  any  case  whatever,  and  if  so,  where  is  the  gos- 
pel authority?  Concluded  to  adopt  the  decision  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1857.  (This  subject  has  frequently  been 
discussed  in  our  Annual  Meetings,  and  we  can  not,  we 
think,  come  to  a  better  conclusion  than  our  dear  brethren 
came  to  in  1852;  and  as  no  brother  should  be  his  own 
judge  in  this  matter,  the  brethren,  very  wisely,  added  the 
proviso,  that,  in  all  cases,  the  church  should  be  consulted, 


214  MINUTES   OF 

and  if  its  council  is  disregarded,  those  who  disregard  it  will 
fall  into  the  judgment  of  the  church.  Minutes  of  1857, 
Art.  16.) 

Art.  21.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  for  breth- 
ren to  purchase  notes  from  brethren,  or  others,  and  shave 
them  at  15  per  cent,  or  more?  Considered,  that  it  is  not 
according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  22.  "What  should  be  done  with  a  brother  who  holds 
the  council  of  the  Annual  Meeting  in  disrespect,  and  who 
speaks  lightly  and  disrespectfully  of  it?  Considered,  that 
he  should  be  kindly  admonished  to  do  so  no  more,  and  if 
he  will  not  hear  the  admonition,  he  should  be  dealt  with 
according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  28.  "What  does  the  Annual  Meeting  think  of  taking 
the  preparatory  steps  for  producing  a  new  hymn-book  ? 
Referred  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  24.  "When  a  church  stands  in  need  of  speakers  or 
deacons,  should  the  bishop  make  it  known  to  the  members 
before,  or  only  on  the  day  of  the  election?  Considered, 
that  we  leave  the  churches  to  do  as  they  have  been  accus- 
tomed to  do  in  relation  to  this  subject. 

Art.  25.  In  the  phrase,  "Anoint  thy  head  "  (Matt.  vi.  17), 
is  the  anointing  literal?  and,  if  so,  with  what  is  the  head 
to  be  anointed  ?  Answer :  "We  think  the  anointing  is  literal, 
and  that  it  is  to  be  done  with  oil ;  but  we  think,  when  it  is 
observed,  it  should  be  done  in  a  way  so  that  it  will  not  at- 
tract public  notice. 

Art.  26.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother,  who  is  a  min- 
ister, would  make  appointments  some  distance  from  home, 
where  there  is  an  organized  church,  and  would  hold  meet- 
ings, and  baptize,  without  referring  to  the  brethren  that 
had  the  oversight  there  of  the  church,  when  the  brethren 
live  in  the  immediate  neighborhood,  and  might  be  consulted 
conveniently?  And  if  this  is  wrong,  how  should  such  & 
brother  be  dealt  with?  Considered,  that  when  ministering 
brethren  go  out  of  their  own  church,  to  labor  and  to  ad- 


ANNUAL   .MEETINGS    OF    THE   BRETHREN.  215 

minister  the  ordinances  of  the  gospel  in  another  district, 
they  should  do  so  with  the  consent  of  the  laborers  of  the 
district  into  which  they  go,  when  it  can  be  conveniently 
obtained.  And  brethren  who  do  not  adhere  to  this  counsel, 
do  not  labor  to  promote  peace  and  love,  and  should  be  ad- 
monished by  the  church. 

Art.  27.  Would  it  not  be  well  for  the  brethren  to  come 
upon  some  plan  to  acquaint  all  the  bishops  and  housekeep- 
ers of  the  various  branches  of  the  church  with  the  rules 
and  regulations  concluded  upon  by  the  General  Council  for 
the  more  perfect  union  and  prosperity  of  the  church? 
And  if  these  rules  and  regulations  be  violated  by  a  minis- 
ter, with  some  of  the  members  composing  his  district, 
should  they  not  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  brethren  of  the 
adjacent  districts,  as  offenders,  and  be  dealt  with  as  such ; 
and  if  the  above  should  be  considered  expedient,  what  plan 
should  be  devised  to  carry  it  into  effect?  Answer:  We 
are  fully  satisfied  that  the  means  long  had  in  practice  by 
the  brethren  (namely,  the  minutes  of  our  Annual  Meeting), 
are  sufficient  to  give  the  teachers  and  housekeepers,  and 
members  in  general,  the  decisions  of  our  Annual  Council 
for  the  perfecting  of  love  and  union  throughout  the  broth- 
erhood; and  if  it  should  so  happen  that  a  housekeeper, 
with  a  part,  or  all,  of  the  members  of  his  district,  could  not 
be  satisfied  with  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Council,  as 
we  were  advised  and  instructed  by  our  beloved  elder  breth- 
ren, and  unanimously  concurred  in  at  the  Annual  Meeting, 
held  in  1850,  in  Montgomery  County,  Ohio,  they  should 
bear  with  the  Annual  Council,  and  with  one  another,  until 
the  next  Annual  Meeting,  and  then  bring  their  grievances 
to  the  Annual  Council  where  they  proceeded  from,  and,  we 
believe,  full  satisfaction  will  be  obtained. 

Art.  28.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  word  of  God  for  the 
followers  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ  to  make 
arrangements  with  railroad  companies  to  obtain  the  benefit 
of  half- fare,  in  going  to  and  returning  from  the  Yearly  Meet- 


216  MINUTES    OF 

iug ?  Considered,  that  it  is  right  for  brethren  to  avail  them- 
selves of  the  privilege  offered  by  the  railroad  companies, 
but  we  would  advise  all  our  brethren  to  comply  with  the 
rules  of  the  companies,  and  if  a  misunderstanding  should 
occur,  not  to  contend,  but  rather  pay  full  fare. 

Art.  29.  Is  it  right  to  give  liberty  to  other  denominations 
to  preach  funeral  sermons  in  our  meeting-houses  ?  Answer : 
It  is  right,  especially  if  preached  on  the  day  of  the  funeral. 

Art.  30.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  has  a  note 
against  another  poor  brother,  who  can  not  pay,  and  the 
brother  who  has  the  note  sells  it  to  his  son,  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  church,  and  he  collects  the  debt  by  law, 
and  causes  the  poor  brother's  property  to  be  sold,  the  brother 
who  sold  the  note  justifying  himself  in  doing "^as  he  did; 
what  is  to  be  done  in  such  a  case  ?  Considered,  that  the 
brother  who  did  so,  committed  a  great  fault,  and  that  he 
should  make  restitution  to  the  poor  brother  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  church. 

Art.  31.  Is  it  contrary  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  hold 
meetings  for  a  number  of  days  in  succession,  in  one  place, 
in  order  to  preach  the  pure  word  of  God,  and  to  adminis- 
ter the  ordinance  of  baptism  to  those  who  believe  the  word 
and  receive  it  ?  Considered,  not  contrary  to  the  gospel,  if 
the  believer  is  proceeded  with  according  to  the  gospel  and 
the  order  of  the  brethren,  as  given  by  the  Annual  Meeting 
of  1848,  Art,  3. 

Art.  32.  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  and  Christ  in  him,  can 
he  institute  aud  prosecute  a  process  in  law  against  any  per- 
son or  persons,  and  he  all  the  time  still  continue  in  Christ, 
and  Christ  in  him  ?  Considered,  that  he  can  not,  especially 
if  gone  into  without  the  counsel  of  the  church  in  which  he 
lives. 

Art.  33.  Is  it  according  to  the  word  of  God  to  make 
use  of  beef  instead  of  lamb,  in  eating  the  Lord's  Supper? 
Answer  :  It  ifl. 

Art.  34.  Whereas,  there  is  a  diversity  of  opinion  among 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         217 

the  brethren  concerning  the  mode  of  celebrating  the  Lord's 
Supper;  we,  therefore,  wish  the  brethren,  at  the  Annual 
Meeting,  to  devise  some  plan,  that  we  may  all  be  alike  in 
our  practice.  Considered,  that  inasmuch  as  the  difference 
is  not  stated,  we  recommend  the  practice  heretofore  recom- 
mended. 

Art.  35.  How  is  it  considered  when  ministering  brethren 
have  preached  at  meeting,  and  visiting  brethren  rise  to  their 
feet  to  bear  testimony?  Or,  which  is  the  proper  order,  for 
deacons  to  rise  or  keep  their  seats  in  exhorting?  Consid-, 
ered,  that  it  is  not  advisable,  when  two  or  three  ministering 
brethren  have  preached,  for  deacons  to  rise  and  speak;  but 
if  there  is  but  one  speaker,  or  if  there  are  none  present,  it 
is  not  inconsistent  with  the  order  of  the  brethren  for  a  dea- 
con to  rise  and  exhort. 

Art.  36.  Is  it  right  to  use,  at  our  communion  meetings, 
the  article  of  wine  frequently  used,  and  known  by  those 
who  are  judges  of  the  article  to  be  an  adulterated  article, 
and  hence  can  not  properly  be  called  the  fruit  of  the  vine? 
Considered,  that  it  is  advisable  to  procure  the  purest  article. 

Art.  37.  How  is  it  considered  when  one  brother  preaches 
that  there  is  no  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  now,  but  that 
it  is  only  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  believers  receive, 
while  another  brother  prays  for  the  Lord  to  baptize  with 
the  Holy  Ghost?  Answer:  We  think  it  best  for  no  brother 
to  preach  that  there  is  no  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost- now, 
but  in  praying  we  should  pray  for  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

A  hi.  38.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  makes  an  as- 
signment, and  how  shall  he  be  dealt  with  ?  .  Answer :  That 
it  is  not  right  for  a  brother  to  make  an  assignment,  with 
the  purpose  to  defraud  his  creditors  ;  and  if  he  should  do 
so,  he  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt.  xvin. 

Art.  39.  How  should  brethren  proceed,  after  preaching, 
relative  to  getting  members  to  join  the  church  ?  Shall  the 
preacher,  while  singing  a  hymn,  give  an  invitation  to  those 


218  MINUTES    OF 

who  wish  to  join  the  church  to  come  forward,  or  shall  he 
leave  it  to  them  to  make  their  own  application  ?  Consid- 
ered, that  it  is  best  to  let  them  make  their  own  application, 
as  in  Acts  u.  37,  and  xvi.  30. 

Art.  40.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  hold 
what  are  called  social  meetings,  and  to  give  liberty  to  all 
present  to  rise  and  speak,  so  that  members  of  other  socie- 
ties feel  themselves  at  liberty  to  admonish  ?  Considered, 
that  social  meetings  should  be  strictly  held  in  order,  and  to 
give  liberty  to  all  present  to  rise  on  their  feet  and  admon- 
ish, is  not  in  order. 

Art.  41.  Inasmuch  as  there  has  been  great  confusion  in 
various  branches  of  the  church,  during  the  past  year,  rela- 
tive to  the  manner  of  taking  in  members,  as  this  has  been 
done  in  many  different  ways,  would  brethren  not  consider 
it  prudent,  and  consistent  with  the  gospel,  to  have  a  unity 
of  practice  throughout  the  church,  and,  if  so,  what  shall 
that  practice  be ;  shall  it  be  the  order  laid  down  in  the  min- 
utes of  1848,  or  will  the  brethren  draft  a  new  order  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  we  will  continue  the  order  laid  down  in  the 
minutes  of  1848,  which  is  as  follows  : 

"  First,  the  applicant  to  be  examined  by  two  or  more 
brethren ;  then  the  case  to  be  brought  before  the  church 
council,  before  whom  the  applicant  is  to  declare  his  agree- 
ment with  us,  in  regard  to  the  principles  of  being  defense- 
less, non-swearing,  and  not  conforming  to  the  world  ;  then 
in  meeting,  or  at  the  water,  to  read  from  Matt,  xviii.  10-22, 
in  public,  the  candidates  being  asked  if  they  will  be  gov- 
erned by  those  gospel  rules ;  then  prayer  at  the  water,  and 
in  the  water  the  following  questions  to  be  asked  : 

"Question:  Dost  thou  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
Son  of  God,  and  that  he  has  brought  from  heaven  a  saving 
gospel?     Answer:  Yea. 

"  Question :  Dost  thou  willingly  renounce  Satan,  with  all 
his  pernicious  ways,  and  all  the  sinful  pleasures  of  this 
world?     Answer:  Yea. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        219 

"Question:  Dost  thou  covenant  with  God,  in  Christ 
Jesus,  to  be  faithful  until  death  ?    Answer :  Yea. 

"  Upon  this,  thy  confession  of  faith,  which  thou  hast 
made  before  God  and  these  witnesses,  thou  shalt,  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  be  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  After  baptism, 
while  in  the  water,  the  administrator  shall  lay  his  hands 
on  the  head  of  the  candidate,  and  offer  up  a  prayer  to  God 
in  his  behalf,  and  then  the  member  is  to  be  received,  by 
hand  and  kiss,  into  church  fellowship."  Minutes  of  1848, 
Art.  3. 

Art.  42.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  member  moves  off 
some  distance,  and  be  absent  awhile,  and  then  return  on  a 
visit,  and  then,  while  at  the  place  at  which  he  formerly  re- 
sided, conducting  himself  either  becoming  or  unbecoming 
a  follower  of  Christ,  the  church  gives  him  permission  to 
exhort  or  preach,  by  taking  silence  for  consent?  Consid- 
ered, not  according  to  the  order  of  the  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  43.  How  is  it  considered  if  an  individual  moves  out 
the  fence  of  a  brother's  field,  and  the  brother  sends  the  sheriff 
and  brings  a  suit  of  trespass  ;  his  case  is  brought  before  the 
church,  and  one  bishop,  with  the  teachers  and  deacons  and 
other  members,  decide  that  the  brother  has  done  wrong, 
but  the  oldest  bishop,  with  the  other  members,  say  that  he 
had  no  other  way  to  do,  and  when  the  voice  was  taken 
there  was  an  equal  number  approving  and  disapproving 
the  brother's  course?  Considered,  that  no  member,  or 
members,  has  a  right  to  put  the  law  in  force  against  his 
fellow-man,  without  first  taking  the  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  44.  Is  the  gospel  itself  sufficient  to  preserve  a  union 
of  practice  throughout  the  brotherhood?  Considered, 
that  the  gospel,  with  the  practice  or  order  consistent  with 
the  gospel,  will  preserve  the  union  of  the  brotherhood. 

Art.  45.  Have  a  few  members  of  a  church  the  privilege 
to  appoint  a  church  meeting,  and  call  for  the  assistance  of 
brethren   in   other   districts,   without  the   council  of  the 


220  MINUTES   OF 

church,  or  ot  the  elders  of  the  church?  Considered,  that 
brethren  have  no  right  to  do  so  without  counseling  the 
elder  brethren  and  the  church. 

Art.  46.  Should  the  church  receive  a  person  that  had 
been  living  in  a  state  of  matrimony  awhile,  and  apparently 
did  not  live  in  peace ;  then,  leaving  his  companion,  gets 
married  to  another  one,  and,  after  some  time,  leaving  the 
second  one  for  the  same  reason  he  left  the  first,  and  while 
his  first  companion  was  yet  living  ?  Considered,  that,  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel,  such  a  person  should  not  be  received 
into  the  church. 

Art.  47.  How  is  it  considered,  in  the  case  of  a  brother 
who  has  been  expelled  from  the  church,  and  then  takes  up 
with  a  woman  that  has  a  husband  living,  and  lives  with 
her  fifteen  years ;  then  her  husband  dies,  and  the  two  get 
lawfully  married,  and  now  he  has  made  application  to  be 
taken  into  the  church,  and  we  desire  the  Yearly  Meeting 
to  give  counsel  what  to  do?  Considered,  that  he  may  be 
received,  provided  he  brings  forth  fruit  meet  for  repentance. 

Art.  48.  How  is  it  considered  when  brethren  preach  and 
argue  that  there  is  no  difference  between  the  soul  and  the 
body,  and  hell  and  the  grave,  and  that  there  is  no  knowl- 
edge between  death  and  the  resurrection,  and  no  punish- 
ment after  death,  but  that  the  wicked  will  be  immediately 
destroyed  or  annihilated  ?  Answer:  Such  brethren  should 
be  sharply  reproved  of  their  errors,  and  if  they  will  not 
hear  the  church,  we  can  not  hold  such  as  brethren,  much 
less  as  preachers. 

Art.  49.  A  brother  buys  a  farm  that  is  sold  by  executors, 
who  are  not  members  ot  the  church,  and  fails  to  make 
payment  according  to  contract,  the  heirs  being  members 
of  the  church,  who,  after  waiting  a  long  time  and  being  in 
great  need  of  the  money,  and  living  over  one  hundred  miles 
distant  from  the  brother  who  bought  the  farm,  receive  a 
letter  from  him  stating  that  he  will  pay  them  $500,  if  they 
will  throw  off  the  interest.     The  heirs,  being  unwilling  to 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         221 

do  so,  send  word  to  their  executors  to  collect  the  money  by 
law.  Are  the  heirs  now  under  obligation  to  pay  the  cost 
of  collection  ?  Considered,  that  they  are  not  under  such 
obligation. 

Art.  50.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  to  hold  a  protracted 
meeting,  say  for  one  week  or  ten  days  in  succession?  An- 
swer :  As  to  the  phrase  "  protracted  meetings,"  we  know 
nothing  of  it  in  the  gospel ;  but  as  touching  the  frequency 
of  the  saints  meeting  together,  we  find  no  limits  in  the 
gospel,  so  they  are  held  in  the  order  of  the  house  of  God. 

Art.  51.  "We  desire  to  know  whether  the  Lord  has  com- 
manded us  to  have  a  school  besides  our  common  schools, 
such  as  the  one  contemplated  in  the  "  Gospel  Visitor  ? " 
If  we  are,  ought  we  not  to  have  it  soon  ?  And  if  it  is  not 
commanded  of  the  Lord,  ought  we  to  have  one  ?  And  is 
it  right  to  contend  for  or  against  such  an  institution  publicly 
through  the  press,  since  our  different  views  may  become  a 
stumbling-block  before  the  world?  And  if  it  is  once 
decided,  ought  we  not  to  keep  forever  silent  about  it  ?  An- 
swer :  Concerning  the  school  proposed  in  the  "  Gospel  Visi- 
tor,'' we  think  we  have  no  right  to  interfere  with  an 
individual  enterprise  so  long  as  there  is  no  departure  from 
gospel  principles. 

Art.  52.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  go  about  taking 
likenesses  with  a  Daguerrean  apparatus  ?  Considered,  that 
it  is  not  right.     Rom.  I.  23;  Deut.  xxvn.  15. 

Art.  53.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  brother  who  is 
forwarded  to  the  AVord  as  a  minister  of  the  first  degree, 
attends  meetings,  makes  appointments,  or  fills  such  when 
made  by  others  who  are  not  members  of  the  church  with- 
out counseling  the  church,  or  ordained  brethren  when 
there  are  such  in  the  district  where  he  was  chosen  ?  Con- 
sidered, that  as  ministers  are  the  servants  of  the  church, 
they  ought  not  to  do  any  thing  contrary  to  the  will  of  the 
church,  and  when  it  is  convenient  they  should  always  con- 
sult the  church. 


222  MINUTES   OF 

Art.  54.  In  case  a  woman  has  a  husband  and  has  lived 
with  him  in  matrimony  for  a  year  or  longer,  and  then  the 
husband  departs  and  leaves  his  wife,  nothing  being  heard 
of  him  for  four  or  five  years,  and  said  wife  then  marries  a  sec- 
ond husband,  nothing  being  still  heard  of  her  former  hus- 
band. Years  pass  on,  say  twenty-five  or  six,  she  living  with 
the  second  husband  all  this  time,  and  having  children  with 
him,  and  nothing  is  still  heard  of  her  first  husband.  Now, 
the  said  husband  and  wife  make  application  to  be  received 
into  the  church.  How  shall  we  proceed  in  such  a  case? 
Answer:  We  think  they  might  be  received  if  the  church 
feels  satisfied  the  first  husband  is  not  living. 

Art.  55.  Would  it  not  be  well  for  the  standing  commit- 
tee of  this  Yearly  Meeting  to  appoint  a  number  of  intelli- 
gent and  pious  brethren  to  collect  all  the  minutes  that  can 
be  obtained  of  our  Yearly  Meetings  and  have  them  printed 
in  a  volume  for  the  use  and  satisfaction  of  the  churches  ? 
Considered,  we  think  it  not  advisable  to  do  so. 

Art.  56.  Is  it  advisable  for  ordained  brethren  to  ordain 
a  ministering  brother  to  the  office  of  elder  or  bishop,  who 
permits  his  children,  even  while  under  lawful  age,  to  wear 
all  manner  of  jewelry,  and  to  learn  instrumental  music  at 
boarding  schools,  etc?  Considered,  not  advisable.  I.Tim. 
ii.  9  ;  in.  4,  5. 

Art.  57.  Can  the  brethren  be  in  full  communion  with  a 
brother  or  a  communion  of  brethren,  who  do  not  hold  a 
church  council  in  receiving  applicants  for  baptism,  and 
who  do  not  ask  those  who  are  baptized  to  renounce  the 
devil  and  all  the  sinful  practices  of  the  world  or  flesh,  and 
who  do  not  practically  follow  the  doctrine  of  self-denial? 
Considered,  that  we  think  such  can  not  be  in  full  commun- 
ion with  us.  Acts  x.  47 ;  Prov.  XV.  22  ;  I.  John  n.  15-17 ; 
Titus  ii.  12. 

Art.  58.  Whereas,  there  is  a  strong  desire  among  the 
brethren  in  various  places  to  have  a  more  general  exertion 
made  on  the  part  of  the  church  to  have  the  truth  more 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  223 

universally  spread;  and,  whereas,  the  subject  has  been  fre- 
quently talked  of  without  any  definite  plan  being  proposed, 
we,  therefore,  have  concluded,  by  way  of  introduction,  to 
offer  the  following  outlines  of  a  plan,  subject,  however,  to 
such  amendments  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  thought 
best ;  that  is,  let  each  state,  where  there  is  a  respectable  num- 
ber of  brethren,  form  a  district ;  let  the  brethren  there  hold 
their  annual  meetings ;  let  each  of  these  divisions  have  its 
treasury ;  let  the  churches  that  feel  favorable,  have  their 
treasury ;  let  the  churches  be  called  upon  as  often  as  may 
be  necessary  to  cast  in  their  mite  as  a  free-will  offering. 
Then  let  these  contributions  be  put  into  the  district  treasury, 
and  let  the  district  meetings  appoint  ministering  brethren, 
say  two  or  more,  if  necessary  (such  as  are  willing  to  go), 
to  travel  through  the  respective  states  for  one  year,  their 
expenses  being  paid,  and  such  provision  made  for  their 
families  as  may  be  thought  necessary.  What  does  the 
Annual  Meeting  think  of  this  proposition?  Considered, 
that  we  think  it  not  good  to  adopt  this  proposition,  but 
we  believe  it  is  a  subject  worthy  the  serious  and  prayerful 
consideration  of  the  brotherhood,  and  we  recommend  the 
brethren  to  give  it  such  a  consideration. 

Art.  59.  Requests  for  committees:  1.  A  request  for  a 
committee  to  visit  Conestoga  Church,  Lancaster  County, 
Pennsylvania.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the  followiug 
brethren  constitute  the  committee:  John  Glock,  Samuel 
Harley,  Jacob  Hollinger,  Daniel  Hollinger  and  Peter  Long. 
2.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  Painter  Creek  Church, 
Miami  County,  Ohio.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the 
following  brethren  constitute  the  committee:  John  P. 
Ebersole,  John  Metzger,  Elias  Dicky,  George  Shively, 
Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  David  Hardman,  of  Indiana, 
George  Hoover,  Henry  Davy  and  Abraham  Moss.  3.  A 
request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Owl  Creek  Church, 
Knox  County,  Ohio.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the 
following  brethren  constitute  the  committee :  Elias  Dicky, 


224  .MINUTES    OF 

Jacob  Gerber,  Peter  Nead,  Daniel  Miller,  John  Metzger, 
and  Henry  Davy. 

Art.  60.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting :  1.  A  re- 
quest from  the  Nettle  Creek  Church,  Indiana,  for  the 
meeting  of  1860.  2.  A  request  from  the  Limestone  Church, 
Washington  County,  Tennessee,  for  the  meeting  in  1860, 
was  renewed,  and  granted.  3.  A  request  from  the  Clover 
Creek  Church,  Blair  County,  Pennsylvania,  was  renewed. 
4.  A  request  from  the  Valley  of  Virginia  for  the  meeting 
in  1861.  5.  The  request  from  the  Elk  Creek  Church, 
Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  being  renewed,  was 
granted.  Hence  our  next  Yearly  Meeting  will  be  held,  the 
Lord  willing,  with  the  brethren  in  Somerset  County,  Penn- 
sylvania, on  Pentecost,  1859.  Johnstown,  on  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Central  Eailroad,  the  nearest  point  on  that  road,  is 
forty  miles  from  the  meeting-place.  Cumberland,  the  nearest 
est  point  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  road,  is  twenty-live  miles 
distant.  Correspondence  can  be  had  with  the  following 
brethren  in  the  church  where  the  meeting  will  be  held :  John 
Berkley,  Elias  K.  Beeghly,  Daniel  Beeghly,  and  Peter 
Meyers,  Meyers'  Mills,  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania. 

Standing  Committee  :  George  Hoke,  John  Brower,  Peter 
Xead,  Daniel  Miller,  of  Ohio ;  John  Berkley,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania ;  John  Kline,  Peter  Kininger,  of  Virginia ;  Isaac 
Pfoutz,  of  Maryland;  George  [Shivery,  John  Metzger, 
John  Moyer,   of   Indiana;    John   Emmert,  of  Illinois." 

D.  P.  Saylor,  Clerk. 

James  Quinter,  Assistant  Clerk. 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF   THE   BRETHREN.  225 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1859. 

As  usual,  a  large  number  of  persons  assembled  on  Satur- 
day, and  a  meeting  for  worship  was  held  in  the  afternoon. 
On  Lord's-day,  the  congregation  being  very  large,  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  having  divine  service  performed  at 
three  different  places  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  place 
designed  for  the  General  Council  meeting.  These  meet- 
ings were  all  well  attended,  and  good  attention  given  to 
the  Word  preached. 

On  Monday  morning  the  council-meeting  was  organized 
by  appointing  the  following  standing  committee :  John 
Kline,  Jacob  Thomas,  Isaac  Pfoutz,  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  John 
II.  Umstad,  Peter  Long,  John  P.  Ebersole,  Henry  Davy,. 
Jacob  Miller,  John  Metzger,  Samuel  Layman,  David  Rit- 
tenhouse,  James  Quinter,  and  John  Berkley.  Daniel  P. 
Sayler  and  James  Quinter  were  appointed  clerks,  and  Dan- 
iel P.  Sayler  moderator. 

The  delegates  then  presented  themselves,  and  the  papers 
addressed  to  the  council  were  received ;  and  while  business 
was  preparing,  public  worship  was,  as  usual,  held  on  Mon- 
day. 

There  were  represented,  in  this  council-meeting,  eighty- 
seven  congregations.  The  delegates  representing  these 
congregations  were  divided  into  thirteen  sub-committees, 
and  to  them  were  committed  the  queries  designed  to  come 
before  the  General  Council,  in  order  that  they  might  report 
upon  them. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  brethren  assembled  for  business. 
The  meeting  was  opened  with  singing  and  prayer.  After 
this,  the  object  of  the  meeting  was  explained.  The  com- 
mittees then  began  to  present  their  reports,  and  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  the  following  queries  were  before  the  meeting. 
These  were  considered  in  the  fear  of  God,  and  examined 
15 


226  MINUTES   OF 

in   the  light  of  the    Scriptures,  and   answered   as   herein 
stated : 

Article  1.  How  is  it  considered  if  an  elder  gets  in  debt, 
and  is  sued,  and  is  compelled  to  take  the  stay -law  in  order 
to  get  time  to  make  arrangements  to  pay  the  claim,  and 
pays  it  according  to  the  time  prescribed  by  law  ?  Answer : 
\Ve  consider  that  he  could  do  no  better  under  such  circum- 
stances. 

Art.  2.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  church  holds  a  council 
to  consider  the  propriety  of  holding  a  love-feast,  and  all 
the  members  present  are  jointly  agreed  to  have  a  com- 
munion meeting,  and  accordingly  hold  such  a  meeting; 
but  afterward  a  member  will  say  we  had  no  love-feast,  and 
will  insist  that  it  was  only  a  meal,  and  not  a  love-feast? 
Answer:  We  consider  that  it  is  wrong  for  a  member  to  do 
so,  and  that  he  should  acknowledge  it  before  the  church  to 
be  a  fault,  or  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  3.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  minister  would  pub- 
licly teach  that  water  baptism  is  not  for  the  remission  of 
sins,  but  that  a  person  must  have  an  evidence  within  that 
his  sins  are  pardoned  before  he  is  a  fit  subject  for  baptism ; 
and,  also,  would  differ  with  brethren  in  the  mode  of  elect- 
ing brethren  to  the  ministry,  and  likewise  claims  that  all 
members,  both  male  and  female,  have  a  right  to  admonish 
and  exhort?    Answer:  Considered,  that  it  is  not  accord- 
ing to  Acts  ii.  38,  and  xxn.  16,  to  teach  that  a  person  must 
have  an  evidence  within  that  his  sins  are  pardoned  before 
he  is  a  fit  subject  for  baptism,  and   that  we   know  of  no 
better  way  for  the  brethren  to  elect  their  ministers  than 
that  which  has  been  practiced  heretofore.     And  concerning 
members    exhorting,   without  being    authorized    by   the 
church,  we  think  they  should  not  do  so  in  the  church,  in 
our  public  or  general  meetings,  according  to  I.  Cor.  xiv. 
33-35. 

Art.  4.  As  secret  societies  seem  to  be  multiplying,  and 
as  many  young  meu  around  us  join  them,  and  as  some  un- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        227 

dertake  a  defense  of  them,  it  seems  necessary  that  our 
minds  need  to  be  frequently  stirred  up  upon  this  matter. 
Then,  as  we  profess  to  be  followers  of  Him  who  said,  "In 
secret  have  I  done  nothing,"  will  the  Yearly  Meeting, 
through  its  proceedings,  come  up  to  the  side  of  our  Lord? 
Answer :  We  consider  that  members  should  not  participate 
in  any  secret  or  oath-bound  societies  whatever ;  and  if,  after 
they  have  been  duly  admonished,  they  persist  in  such  par- 
ticipation, we  consider  the  church  is  justifiable  in  excom- 
municating them. 

Art.  5.  Inasmuch  as  the  ceremony  used  by  the  brethren, 
in  receiving  members  into  the  church,  is  thought,  by  a  large 
proportion  of  the  brethren,  to  be  of  too  great  length,  might 
it  not  be  shortened?  And,  instead  of  the  questions  being 
asked  in  the  water,  would  it  not  be  more  consistent  to  ask 
them  in  the  house,  or  on  the  bank  of  the  river  or  stream  ? 
Answer:  We  do  not  consider  it  good  to  make  any  altera- 
tions from  the  present  practice  of  the  brethren. 

Art.  6.  Have  the  brethren  the  privilege  of  singing  a 
hymn  or  two  without  lining  them,  if  some  brother  men- 
tions the  page,  before  the  commencement  of  worship,  while 
the  congregation  is  assembling  ?  And  have  ministering 
brethren  the  privilege  to  read  a  hymn,  before  lining  and 
•singing,  at  the  opening  of  the  public  service?  Answer: 
We  consider  these  queries  of  but  little  import ;  but  as  sing- 
ing is  a  part  of  divine  worship,  it  should  be  conducted  in 
order  by  those  engaging  in  it.  And  whether  a  hymn 
should,  or  should  not,  be  read  previously  to  lining  it,  may 
be  left  to  the  option  of  those  proposing  the  hymns. 

Art.  7.  Does  the  gospel  admit  of  female  preaching  ?  and, 
if  it  does,  shall  they  not  have  authority  from  the  church 
under  whose  jurisdiction  they  are?  Answer:  As  Paul 
recognizes  a  distinction,  in  Rom.  xn.  6,  7,  between  teaching, 
ministering,  and  prophesying,  and  as  he  evidently  approves 
of  females  prophesying  (I.  Cor.  XI.  5),  we  then  think  that 
a  female  can  not  teach  or  preach,  according  to  I.  Cor.  xiv. 


228  MINUTES   OF 

34;  I.  Tim.  n.  12,  in  the  ordinary  acceptation  of  those 
terms,  yet  we  can  not,  under  all,  forbid  them  to  prophesy. 

Art.  8.  Shall  the  answer  to  the  seventeenth  query  of 
1858  continue  as  it  is  there  given  ?  Answer :  We  consider 
it  best  to  leave  it  as  it  is.  The  query  and  answer  above 
referred  to,  are  as  follows  : 

"Is  it  right  for  a  speaker  to  sing  a  hymn,  or  a  part  of  a 
hymn,  at  the  time  of  the  communion,  when  the  wine  is 
passing  round?     Considered,  it  is  right  to  do  so." 

Art.  9.  Is  it  considered  to  be  right  to  call  prayer-meet- 
ings social  meetings?  Answer:  It  is  considered  right  to 
do  so. 

Art.  10.  If  a  brother  has  held  meetings  according  to  the 
twenty-sixth  article  of  the  minutes  of  1858  (there  being  few 
members,  and  none  of  the' ministers  of  the  district  in  which 
the  meeting  was  held,  present),  and  would,  to  his  knowl- 
edge, receive  a  person  that  is  a  Freemason  into  the  church, 
without  renouncing  more  of  Masonry  than  just  the  wear- 
ing of  the  badge  and  the  marching  in  parade ;  and  the 
ministers  and  members  of  the  district  in  which  said  mem- 
ber resides  would  afterward  require  a  full  renunciation, 
and  he  would  refuse,  and  still  claim  the  privilege  of  attend- 
ing the  lodge,  etc.,  justifying  himself  by  saying  he  had 
made  no  such  promise  at  his  reception ;  what  shall  be  done 
in  such  a  case?  Answer:  If  such  a  brother  shall  refuse  to 
hear  the  church,  he  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt. 
xvin.  17. 

Art.  11.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren,  in  Annual  Council, 
last  year,  in  Art.  8,  decided  that  the  public  practical  use  of 
the  spiritual  gifts,  such  as  exhortation,  teaching,  doctrine, 
and  prophesying,  seem  to  be  the  duties  and  privileges  be- 
longing to  the  officers  of  the  church ;  now,  where  the  bishop, 
with  the  majority  of  his  members,  are  not  willing  to  be 
governed  and  regulated  by  the  above  decision,  and  where, 
also,  some  of  them  disregard  other  decisions  of  the  Annual 
Conference,  such  as  forbid  holding  in  fellowship  those  who 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  229 

will  not  renounce  Freemasonry,  taking  part,  in  debating 
schools,  and  holding  offices  under  the  civil  government, 
and  say  that  the  brethren,  in  conference  last  year,  decided 
in  favor  of  things  which  were  not  in  accordance  with  the 
gospel.  What  shall  the  minority  in  such  a  church  do  ? 
To  whom  shall  they  apply  to  have  such  bishop  and  mem- 
bers regulated  according  to  the  order  of  the  brethren  and 
the  Bible  ?  Answer:  Such  a  minority  of  brethren  in  a 
church  have  full  privilege  to  call  brethren  from  another 
arm  of  the  church,  in  order  to  investigate  and  adjust  mat- 
ters, upon  the  condition  that  said  minority  apprise  the  ma- 
jority of  their  intention  to  call  brethren,  should  they  think 
it  best  to  call  for  assistance  from  other  churches. 

Art.  12.  Is  it  wrong  for  one  brother  to  take  a  note  of 
another  brother?  And  is  it  wrong  for  the  holder  of  the 
note  to  exchange  it  for  a  piece  of  land,  after  it  was  due 
(three  years),  by  withholding  the  collection  of  the  note  for 
the  time  specified  by  the  giver  of  the  note?  And  is  it 
wrong  to  ask  a  mortgage  to  secure  such  a  note,  where  the 
giver  mortgages  all  his  property  out  of  his  hands  ?  An- 
swer: "We  do  not  consider  it  wrong.  This  answer  is  de- 
signed for  each  of  the  above  questions. 

Art.  13.  Is  it  right  for  a  member  of  the  church  to  have 
his  property  set  off,  where  the  law  allows  a  certain  amount, 
say  three  hundred  dollars?  Answer:  We  think  it  is  not 
right. 

Art.  14.  What  shall  we  do  when  brethren,  and  even 
speakers  and  bishops,  attend  yearly  the  county  fairs?  An- 
swer: Such  brethren  should  be  admonished  not  to  attend 
such  places,  and  if  they  still  persist  in  doing  so,  they  should 
be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  15.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  bishop  moves  from 
his  district  into  a  third  district,  and  takes  no  letter  of  rec- 
ommendation along  with  him,  but  wants  to  retain  the  over- 
sight of  the  church  he  has  left,  and  says  he  will  still  keep 
his  standing  in  that  church  during  his  life,  although  he  is 


230  MINUTES    OF 

frequently  absent  from  their  regular  meetings  ?  Answer  : 
He  should  have  a  letter  of  recommendation  from  the 
church  from  which  he  moved,  and  if  the  distance  is  not 
too  great,  he  may  still  retain  the  oversight  of  that  church, 
while  his  doing  so  may  produce  no  difficulties. 

Art.  16.  We  wish  to  know  how  to  proceed  with  a 
brother,  who  resides  in  one  branch  of  the  church,  but  does 
not  attend  council-meetings  and  love-feasts  in  the  branch 
in  which  he  resides,  but  when  there  are  love-feasts  in  the 
adjoining  districts  he  attends  them.  Answer:  Such  a 
brother  should  be  visited,  and  the  cause  why  he  does  not 
attend  the  meetings  in  his  own  congregation  ascertained. 
(See  Heb.  x.  23-25.)     And  if  he   should   be   disobedient 

(see  Matt.  xvm.  17.) 

Art.  17.  A  man's  wife  leaves  him  for  no  just  cause,  and 
she  then  obtains  a  bill  of  divorcement;  after  this  she  mar- 
ries another  man;  and  then,  in  consequence  of  this,  the 
husband  left,  was  divorced,  and  also  marries  another  woman,, 
after  some  time,  with  whom  he  is  now  living;  and  he  hav- 
ing become  convinced  of  the  truth,  has  made  application  for 
baptism.  Can  he  be  received  into  the  church?  Answer: 
We  think  he  can  not,  while  living  with  the  last  woman  as 
a  husband.     (See  I.  Cor.  vn.  10,  11.) 

Art.  18.  Is  it  considered  in  order  for  a  ministering 
brother  to  refuse  to  labor  at  home,  while  he  goes  out  and 
fills  appointments  in  neighboring  churches  ?  Answer :  We 
consider  such  a  course  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  the 
gospel,  but  recommend  that  all  such  questions  be  investi- 
gated at  home,  in  the  churches  in  which  they  originate. 

Art.  19.  Is  it  right  for  brethren  to  salute  with  the  holy 
kiss  expelled  members,  when  such  go  through  other  dis- 
tricts, and  are  known  by  the  brethren  to  be  expelled? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  not  right  to  do  so;  and  any 
brother  or  sister  saluting  a  person  whom  he  or  she  knows 
was  expelled,  should  be  admonished,  and  if  he  refuses  to 
hear  the  admonition,  he  should  be  dealt  with  according  to- 
Matt,  xvm. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         231 

Art.  20.  Is  it  agreeable  with  the  gospel  for  members  to 
hold  prayer-meetings,  or,  what  they  are  some  times  called, 
social  meetings,  and  to  invite  members  of  other  denomina- 
tions to  unite  with  us  in  prayer?  Answer:  We  consider 
it  agreeable  with  the  gospel  to  hold  such  meetings,  when 
they  are  strictly  held  in  order;  but  as  we  do  not  call  upon 
our  own  members,  individually,  to  pray,  it  is  not  in  our  or- 
der of  holding  such  meetings,  to  call  on  those  of  other  de- 
nominations to  pray. 

Art.  21.  A  man  marries  his  uncle's  wife,  but  afterward 
thinks  he  discovers  it  forbidden  in  Levit.  xviii.  14,  and  xx. 
20,  and  separates  from  her.  He  then  marries  another 
woman.  He  now  desires  to  be  received  into  the  church. 
Can  he  be  received,  as  the  first  woman  is  still  living,  and 
in  a  married  connection  with  another  man?  Answer: 
According  to  the  civil  law,  the  first  marriage  would  be  con- 
sidered lawful,  and,  consequently,  the  second  marriage  is 
contrary  to  the  gospel,  and  he  can  not,  therefore,  be  re- 
ceived into  the  church  by  baptism,  while  he,  and  the  woman 
with  whom  he  is  living,  are  living  together  in  the  relation 
of  man  and  wife. 

Art.  22.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  rules  of 
the  brethren,  for  a  brother  in  the  second  degree  of  the  min- 
istry to  appoint  a  prayer-meeting,  without  the  consent  of 
the  bishop  and  other  brethren  in  the  church  ?  Answer: 
We  think  it  is  not.  The  Apostle  Paul  declares  that  God 
is  a  God  of  order,  and  such  a  course  does  not  seem  to  be 
in  order.  And  the  Apostle  Peter's  language  (I.  Peter  v.  5, 
6)  would  likewise  seem  to  disapprove  of  such  a  course. 

Art.  23.  In  those  states  where  muster  fines  are  high,  and 
where  the  fines  are  the  only  means  wThereby  the  military 
musters  are  kept  up,  would  it  not  be  better  for  brethren  to 
muster  a  few  times  and  thereby  cause  the  military  system 
to  be  abolished,  than  to  pay  an  oppressive  fine  and  thereby 
keep  up  the  regimental  muster  ?  Answer :  It  would  not, 
inasmuch  as  our  Lord  and  Savior  teaches  non-resistance  in 


232  MINUTES   OF 

gospel  throughout.  And  when  we  go  to  musters  we  there 
learn  the  art  of  war,  and  the  most  appropriate  method  of 
shedding  our  fellow-creatures'  blood.  (See  II.  Cor.  vi.  17; 
John  xviii.  36.) 

Art.  24.  Is  it  becoming  for  members  of  the  church  of 
Christ  to  get  the  walls  of  their  houses  flowered,  or  papered 
with  flowered  paper  ?  Answer  :  We  exhort  all  of  our  dear 
brethren  to  humility,  for  the  apostle  says  (Rom.  xn.  2), "  Be 
not  conformed  to  this  world,"  etc.  Humility  is  one  of  the 
prominent  principles  taught  by  our  dear  Redeemer,  in  pre- 
cept and  example.  We  ought,  therefore,  to  try  and  abstain 
from  superfluities. 

Art.  25.  In  case  brethren  put  a  bell  on  their  meeting- 
house, will  their  course  be  approved  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  ? 
Answer :  This  Annual  Meeting  can  not  approve  of  brethren 
doing  so. 

Art.  26.  Does  the  gospel,  in  any  case,  allow  a  member 
of  the  church  to  use  the  power  of  the  law  in  collecting  a 
debt,  or  in  defense  of  his  rights?  And  if  going  to  law  is 
wrong,  does  the  sanction  of  the  church  make  it  right  ? 
We  also  desire  queries  thirty-two  and  forty-nine  of  the 
minutes  of  1858,  to  be  reconsidered  by  this  Annual  Meet- 
ing. Answer:  We  can  not  give  our  members  liberty  to  go 
to  law  ;  and  if  any  of  them  do  go  to  law,  the  congregation 
in  which  such  reside  shall  take  the  case  up  and  act  on  it  as 
it  thinks  the  gospel  requires.  This  answer,  it  was  thought, 
is  sufficient  for  the  whole  query,  as  the  different  points  in 
it  refer  to  the  same  general  subject. 

Art.  27.  In  relation  to  the  questions  from  Owl  Creek 
Church,  Knox  County,  Ohio,  growing  out  of  the  serious 
difficulties  which  that  church  has  concerning  its  meeting- 
house, the  following  advice  was  given  :  We  consider  it  be3t 
that  the  brethren,  in  meekness  and  patience,  wait  for  the 
further  manifestation  of^the  will  of  God  upon  the  matter. 
And  it  was  recommended  that  the  case  be  remembered  by 
the  brethren  in  general  in  prayer. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        233 

Art.  28.  Seeing  the  great  necessity  of  having  the  gospel, 
as  held  and  praticed  by  the  brethren,  more  extensively 
spread  and  known,  we  desire  that  the  brethren  in  this 
Annual  Council  reconsider  the  fifty- eighth  article  of  the 
minutes  of  1858,  and  adopt  it  with  such  amendments  as, 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  may  seem  best.  As  it  was  recom- 
mended by  the  last  Annual  Meeting  to  make  the  subject  ot 
spreading  the  gospel  one  of  prayerful  consideration,  it 
appears  it  was  done ;  and  several  churches  have  expressed 
their  wish  to  this  Annual  Council  meeting  to  have  it  take 
a  favorable  action  upon  the  subject,  the  following  is  the 
conclusion  this  Annual  Meeting  has  come  to  in  relation  to 
what  is  referred  to  in  this  article.  This  meeting  recom- 
mend and  give  liberty  to  any  of  the  districts  or  states  to 
make  a  move  on  the  subject  of  spreading  and  sustaining 
the  gospel,  as  preached  and  understood  by  the  brethren,  so 
that  the  same  may  be  done  in  the  order  of  the  gospel. 
And  we  recommend  to  those  churches  which  may  adopt 
this  to  make  a  report  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting  upon 
their  success.  And,  in  view  of  the  importance  of  the  sub- 
ject, we  appoint  the  following  brethren  as  a  committee  to 
propose  some  plan  by  which  the  brotherhood  in  general 
may  take  a  part  in  this  good  work;  said  plan  to  be 
reported  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting :  Daniel  P.  Sayler, 
John  Kline,  John  H.  Umstad,  Samuel  Layman,  John 
Metzger,  and  James  Quinter.  Daniel  P.  Sayler  is  the  cor- 
responding member  of  the  committee. 

Art.  29.  Can  a  minister,  who  is  not  ordained,  with  the 
counsel  of  the  church,  expel  a  member,  or  must  there  be 
an  ordained  elder  present?  Answer:  It  is  not  necessary 
for  an  ordained  elder  to  be  present,  if  the  member  to  be 
expelled  is  a  private  member. 

Art.  30.  If  a  brother  in  the  ministry  or  deaconship  move 
from  one  congregation  to  another,  having  a  certificate  of 
good  standing  in  his  office,  has  the  congregation  to  which 
he  moved  a  right  to  refuse  to  receive  him  with  his  office  ? 
Answer :  We  consider  they  have  not. 


234  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  31.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  and  its  principles 
for  brethren  of  our  fraternity  to  salute  with  the  holy  kiss 
those  who  do  not  stand  in  the  faith  with  us,  nor  practice 
or  keep  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord  as  we  do  ?  And  is  it 
according  to  the  gospel  to  call  such  brethren,  and  give  them 
liberty  to  take  part  in  our  public  worship?  Answer:  As 
a  general  thing  we  do  not  think  it  is  expedient  to  do  so. 

Art.  32.  How  is  it  considered  when  ministering  brethren 
from  one  church  will  come  into  another  church  and  preach 
with  an  expelled  bishop,  who  is  building  up  a  church  of 
his  own,  and  also  visit  all  of  the  dissatisfied  members, 
causing  much  confusion  and  dissatisfaction  in  the  church 
by  doing  so;  and  when  lay  members  go  to  hear  him  preach 
who  has  been  expelled  ?  Answer :  "We  consider  it  wrong 
to  do  so.  And  such  brethren  should  be  admonished,  and 
if  they  will  not  be  submissive  and  acknowledge,  they 
should  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  gospel. 

Art.  33.  If  a  member  of  a  church  moves  from  one  con- 
gregation into  another,  and  is  afterward  called  back  again 
by  the  said  congregation  from  which  he  had  moved,  for 
some  offense,  and  is  expelled ;  he  then  applies  for  member- 
ship to  the  congregation  he  now  lives  in,  but  is  sent  back 
by  it  to  the  congregation  that  expelled  him  to  see  whether 
it  could  release  him  or  be  reconciled  with  him,  and  it  does 
release  him  upon  his  confession  and  repentance.  Now 
which  congregation  is  to  receive  him  into  membership  ? 
Answer  :  He  should  be  received  by  the  same  church  that  ex- 
pelled him,  and  that  church  should  give  him  a  certificate,  and 
that  will  give  him  a  membership  in  the  church  to  which  he 
has  removed. 

Art.  34.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren,  when 
giving  admonition  to  the  church  after  the  annual  visit  has 
been  made,  to  name  members  against  whom  something  is 
alleged,  in  General  Council,  or  shall  we  proceed  with  them 
according  to  the  eighteenth  chapter  of  Matthew  ?  Answer : 
"We  ought  to  proceed  according  to  the  eighteenth  chapter 
of  Matthew,  except  in  cases  of  open  violation  of  the  gospel. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  235 

Art.  35.  Several  communications  were  sent  to  this  An- 
nual Meeting  from  the  brethren  hitherto  distinguished  as 
Western  brethren.  From  these  communications  we  shall 
give  some  extracts,  as  we  have  not  room  upon  the  minutes 
to  give  them  entire: 

"  Beloved  Brethren :  We,  the  brethren  in  Adams  County, 
Illinois,  met  together  in  council  to  take  into  consideration 
the  course  we  had  best  adopt  respecting  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing. On  account  of  the  great  distance  we  are  from  the 
place  of  meeting,  and  none  of  us  being  in  a  situation  suit- 
able to  take  such  a  journey,  we  have  concluded  to  send 
you  these  lines  to  inform  you  that  after  we  received  the 
minutes  of  last  conference,  held  in  In,diana,  we  called  a 
church  council,  and  we  concluded,  for  the  sake  of  union  in 
the  brotherhood,  to  adopt  the  minutes  of  last  Yearly  Meet- 
ing, and  we  intend  to  carry  them  out  as  near  as  circum- 
stances will  admit  of.        *         *         *  * 

"We  further  state  that  we  are  willing  to  counsel  and  be 
counseled  by  the  Yearly  Meeting."  Signed  by  Elder 
George  Wolf,  and  others,  by  order  of  the  church. 

The  following  extract  is  from  a  letter  from  Sugar  Creek 
Church,  Sangamon  County,  Illinois  : 

"  We  have  unanimously  agreed  to  be  fully  united  with 
our  beloved  elder  brethren,  to  counsel  and  be  counseled. 
And  we  have  put  in  practice  the  order  in  receiving  and 
baptizing  members,  non-swearing  and  non-conformity  to 
the  world."  Signed  by  Elder  Isham  Gibson,  and  others, 
by  order  of  the  church. 

From  the  brethren  in  Hurricane  Creek  district,  Bond 
County,  Illinois : 

"Dear  Brethren  in  the  Lord  :  Considering  your  love  and 
care  for  us  as  manifested  by  your  kind  forbearance  and 
.'  long  suffering  toward  us,  we  in  love  to  you  and  all  saints, 
thought  it  good  to  send  you  this  epistle,  and  also  brother 
Daniel  B.  Sturgis,  delegate  from  this  district,  witnessing 
that  we  desire  full  fellowship  and  union.     And  we  unani- 


236  MINUTES    OF 

mously  agree  to  be  counseled  by  the  brethren,  and  submit 
to  all  the  decisions  of  our  beloved  brethren  in  conference. 
We  believe  the  best  good  of  all  is  maintained  by  a  full 
subjection  to  the  decisions  of  the  Yearly  Meetings,  pub- 
lished in  the  minutes."  Signed  by  Daniel  B.  Sturgis,  and 
others,  by  order  of  the  church. 

The  following  is  the  expression  of  this  Annual  Meeting 
upon  the  subject  referred  to  in  the  above  communica- 
tions :  Whereas,  it  is  known  that  what  have  been  called  the 
Western  brethern  have  not  heretofore  been  in  perfect 
union  with  our  churches  in  observing  the  ordinances  and 
regulations  in  the  house  of  God;  and,  whereas,  a  number 
of  communications  have  come  before  this  council-meeting 
from  said  brethren,  expressing  a  strong  desire  to  be  in  full 
fellowship  with  our  brotherhood,  and  promising  to  submit 
to  and  be  governed  by  the  rules  by  which  we  think  the 
house  of  God  should  be  governed ;  therefore,  considered 
that  we  have  cause  to  thank  God  that  the  efforts  made  to 
bring  about  a  union  have  been  so  successful,  and  we  are 
now  happy  to  recongnize  them  as  being  in  full  fellowship 
with  us. 

Art.  36.  Kequests  for  committees :  1.  A  request  for  a 
committee  to  visit  Sugar  Creek  Church,  Tuscarawas 
County,  Ohio,  to  investigate  grievances.  The  request  was 
granted,  and  the  following  brethren  constitute  the  commit- 
tee :  Elias  Dicky,  Henry  Davy,  Jacob  Garver,  of  Mohickon, 
Ohio.  2.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  Upper  Conowago 
Church,  Adams  County,  Pennsylvania.  The  request  was 
granted,  and  the  following  brethren  constitute  the  commit- 
tee :  Peter  Long,  Philip  Boyle  and  Christian  Keefer. 

Art.  37.  A  resolution  was  passed  returning  thanks  to 
those  railroad  companies  which  took  persons  attending 
the  meeting  over  their  roads  for  half  fare. 

Art.  38.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting.  1.  A  request 
from  the  Clover  Creek  Church,  Blair  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania, for  1861.     2.  A  request  from  Hagerstown,  Wayne 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        237 

County,  Indiana,  for  1860.  3.  A  request  from  the  Valley 
of  Virginia  for  1861.  4.  A  request  from  the  Miami  Valley, 
Ohio,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  whenever  the  brethren 
assembled  in  Annual  Council  think  it  suitable  to  appoint  it 
there.  The  request  from  the  brethren  of  Limestone  Con- 
gregation, Tennessee,  was  renewed  and  granted.  Our  next 
Annual  Meeting,  therefore,  will  be  held,  the  Lord  willing, 
with  the  brethren  in  Washington  County,  Tennessee,  on 
Pentecost,  1860.  Brethren  coming  to  the  meeting  will 
come  to  Limestone  depot,  on  the  East  Tennessee  &  Vir- 
ginia Railroad,  which  will  be  about  three  miles  from  the 
place  of  meeting.  Correspondence  can  be  held  with  the 
following  brethren  :  Emanuel  Arnold,  David  B.  Klepper, 
and  Jacob  Nead,  Broylesville,  Washington  County,  Ten- 
nessee. 

Standing  committee,  etc. :  John  Kline,  Jacob  Thomas,, 
of  Virginia;  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  Isaac  Pfoutz,  of  Maryland; 
John  P.  Ebersole,  Henry  Davy,  James  Quinter,  of  Ohio  ; 
Jacob  Miller,  John  Metzger,  of  Indiana;  Samuel  Layman, 
David  Rittenhouse,  of  Illinois ;  John  H.  Umstad,  Peter 
Long,  John  Berkley,  of  Pennsylvania. 

D    P •  Sayler,  lclk8# 

J.   QUINTER.  J 

D.  P.  Sayler,  Moderator 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1860. 

It  having  been  announced  that  the  meeting  would  com- 
mence on  Saturday,  accordingly,  at  an  early  hour  in  the 
morning,  a  large  congregation  was  assembled  for  worship, 
and  public  meetings  for  worship  were  held  on  Saturday, 
Sunday,  and  on  the  morning  of  Monday.  The  best  accom- 
modations were  made  that  could  be  made  on  the  occasion, 
for  affording  the  people  present  facilities  for  hearing  the 


233  MINUTES    OF 

gospel  preached,  and  a  good  degree  of  attention  was  given, 
and  considerable  interest  manifested. 

On  Monday  morning  the  council-meeting  was  organized 
by  appointing  the  following  standing  committee:  Peter 
ISTead,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  John  Metzger,  Christian  Long,  Henry 
Koontz,  John  Kline,  Daniel  Barnhart,  Abraham  Neff,  and 
Peter  Nininger.  Daniel  P.  Sayler  and  James  Quinter  were 
appointed  clerks,  and  Daniel  P.  Sayler  moderator. 

The  delegates  then  presented  themselves  to  the  standing 
committee,  and  the  various  papers  addressed  to  the  council 
were  received. 

The  representation  in  this  Annual  Council  was  unusually 
small,  there  being  but  few  delegates  from  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Illinois,  and  Iowa,  and  none  at  all  from  Pennsylvania  and 
New  Jersey.  There  were  represented  in  the  council  but 
sixty  churches.  The  delegates  present  were  divided  into 
five  sub-committees,  and  to  these  were  committed  the  pa- 
pers designed  to  come  before  the  General  Council,  in  order 
that  they  might  report  upon  them. 

On  Monday  afternoon  the  brethren  assembled  in  council 
for  business.  The  meeting  was  opened  with  devotional 
exercises.  The  object  of  the  meeting  was  then  stated, 
after  which  the  committees  began  to  present  their  reports, 
and  it  was  ascertained  that  the  following  queries  for 
consideration  were  before  the  council.  They  were  consid- 
ered in  the  fear  of  God,  and  examined  in  the  light  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  answered  as  herein  stated. 

The  first  business  in  order  before  the  meeting  was  the 
report  of  the  committee,  appointed  by  the  last  Annual 
Meeting  (see  Minutes  of  1859,  Art.  28),  to  prepare  ^and 
report  a  plan  for  the  work  of  evangelism.  Accordingly, 
the  committee,  to  whom  the  matter  was  referred,  presented 
the  following  report : 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1859, 
twenty-eighth  article,  to  propose  some  plan  to  the  present 
meeting  by  which  the  brotherhood  in  general  may  take 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        239 

some  part  in  the  good  work  of  the  Lord  in  preaching  the 
gospel  more  generally,  reports  as  follows:  Whereas,  the 
preaching  of  the  gospel  to  every  creature  is  a  command  of 
Christ,  since  he  said  to  his  disciples,  "  Go  ye  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature"  (Mark  xvi. 
15),  and  therefore  a  duty  enjoined  upon  all  his  disciples. 
Hence,  it  needs  no  argument  in  its  defense.  The  only  point 
to  be  considered  is,  How  shall  it  be  done?  Now  St.  Paul 
says,  "Who  goeth  a  warfare  any  time  at  his  own  charges?" 
(I.  Cor.  ix.  7) ;  and  as  the  Lord  Jesus  gave  every  man  his 
work,  as  well  as  his  servants  authority.  Mark  xiii.  34 : 
"  For  the  Son  of  Man  is  as  a  man  taking  a  far  journey, 
who  left  his  house,  and  gave  authority  to  his  servants,  and 
to  every  man  his  work."  It  is,  therefore,  evident  that  he 
did  not  mean  that  his  ministering  servants  should  be  bur- 
dened with  the  duty  of  preaching  his  word,  and  also  hear- 
ing the  expenses  incurred  in  traveling  from  place  to  place, 
while  all  the  members  of  the  body  remain  idle.  The  com- 
mittee understands  the  Lord  Jesus  to  mean  that  the  church, 
his  body  on  earth  (I.  Cor.  xn.  27),  shall,  unitedly,  preach 
his  gospel  in  all  the  world,  by  the  ministry,  through  the 
Holy  Ghost;  and,  therefore,  the  church  should  pray  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  laborers,  for  so  Jesus 
commanded  his  disciples,  saying:  "The  harvest  truly  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few ;  pray  ye,  therefore,  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  laborers  into 
his  harvest."  Matt.  ix.  37,  38.  And  it  appears,  from  the 
following  account  in  Acts  xiii.  2,  3,  that  this  was  the  prac- 
tice of  the  apostolic  church:  "As  they  ministered  to  the 
Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy  Ghost  said,  Separate  me  Barna- 
bas and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto  I  have  called  them. 
And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid  their  hands 
on  them,  they  sent  them  away." 

And,  in  view  of  the  above  considerations,  the  committee 
offers  the  following  advice:  That  the  churches  of  the 
brotherhood  form  themselves  into  districts,  the  brethren  in 


240  MINUTES    OF 

those  districts  to  meet  as  often  as  they  may  judge  it  neces 
sary  to  transact  their  business ;  that  each  of  said  districts 
has  its  treasury,  and  each  one  of  the  churches  which  form 
said  districts  has  its  treasury,  the  former  to  be  supplied  out 
of  the  latter,  and  the  latter  to  be  supplied  by  weekly  con- 
tributions, as  directed  by  the  Apostle  Paul  (I.  Cor.  xvi.  2) : 
"  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week  let  every  one  of  you  lay 
by  him  in  store,  as  God  has  prospered  him,  that  there  be 
no  gathering  when  I  come," — a  plan  for  raising  pecuniary 
funds,  of  divine  appointment,  and  is  one  which  commends 
itself  to  our  acceptance,  both  from  its  authority  and  excel- 
lency. 

And  in  order  that  the  funds  collected  may  be  the  most 
judiciously,  satisfactorily,  and  economically  applied,  we 
advise  that  each  sub-district  or  church  appoint  at  least  one 
delegate  to  attend  the  general  district  meetings,  and  that 
these  meetings  so  dispose  of  the  funds  collected  as  they 
shall  judge  most  conducive  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the 
salvation  of  souls.  And  in  order  to  preserve  a  proper  har- 
mony between  all  the  congregations  of  the  brotherhood, 
we  further  advise  that  each  general  district  meeting  sends 
a  delegate  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  03-  the  delegate  a 
report  of  its  proceedings,  that  all  such  proceedings  may  be 
in  harmony  with  the  regulations,  as  made  by  the  brethren 
assembled  in  Annual  Council,  and  subject  to  the  inspection 
and  control  of  that  body.  And  in  case  any  demands  of  a 
general  character  for  evangelists  are  made,  sufficiently  so 
to  require  the  action  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  then,  in  that 
case,  the  funds  needed  to  defray  the  expenses  of  said  evan- 
gelists shall  be  drawn  from  the  treasuries  of  the  several  dis- 
tricts. 

And  as  the  conviction  of  mind  seems  to  be  general  among 
the  brethren  that  greater  exertion  should  be  made  by  the 
brotherhood  to  have  the  gospel  preached  in  every  place, 
the  committee  would  remind  the  ministry  that  the  forego- 
ing plan  is  by  no  means  designed  to  supersede  the  labors 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  241 

of  our  ministers  in  their  individual  capacities.  But  we 
recommend  to  all  our  preachers  to  labor,  as  they  have  been 
accustomed  to  do,  without  money  and  without  price,  as  far 
as  their  circumstances  will  permit  them  to  do  so,  showing, 
as  they  have  hitherto  done,  in  a  remarkable  degree,  the 
Christian  grace  of  self-denial — a  grace  which  shone  brightly 
in  the  life  of  our  divine  Master,  and  which  occupies  a 
prominent  place  in  his  teaching. 

We  further  recommend  to  all  our  preachers  to  submit 
the  above  plan  to  their  congregations,  hoping  that  it  will 
meet  with  their  acceptance. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  the  committee, 
D.  P.  Sayler,  John  Kline,  John  Metzger,  James  Quinter. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Annual  Meeting  to 
report  a  plan  to  the  present  meeting  for  the  work  of  evan- 
gelism, presented  the  above  report,  and  it  was  considered 
that  this  Annual  Meeting  thinks  it  best,  as  there  are  so  few 
churches  represented,  not  to  adopt  it  as  the  work  of  this 
meeting,  but  postpones  it  for  the  consideration  of  the  next 
Annual  Meeting,  and  concludes  it  best  to  have  it  entered 
upon  the  minutes  for  the  examination  of  the  brethren. 
But  while  this  council-meeting  can  not,  for  the  reason 
above  given,  adopt  the  prepared  report,  it  acknowledges 
the  necessity  of  increased  efforts  among  us  to  spread  the 
gospel,  and  still  gives  the  liberty  that  was  given  by  the  last 
Annual  Council,  to  any  of  the  churches  which  may  see 
their  way  open  to  do  so,  to  engage  in  the  work  of  evan- 
gelism. 

Hereupon  the  following  queries  were  considered  : 

Article  1.  Inasmuch  as  we  publicly  denounce  (human) 
church  discipline,  and  claim  the  New  Testament  Scriptures 
as  the  only  rule  of  our  faith  and  practice,  is  it,  then,  con- 
sistent with  our  profession  to  make  a  strict  observance  of 
the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Council  a  test  of  fellowship  ? 
Answer:  The  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting  are  obliga- 
16 


242  MINUTES    OF 

tory  until  such  decisions  shall  be  repealed  by  the  same  au- 
thority. 

Art.  2.  Ought  not  Art.  33,  of  the  minutes  of  1859,  be 
reconsidered?  (The  article  referred  to  is  this  :  "If  a  mem- 
ber of  a  church  moves  from  one  congregation  into  another, 
and  is  afterward  called  back  again  by  the  said  congregation 
from  which  he  had  moved,  for  some  offense,  and  is  expelled  : 
he  then  applies  for  membership  to  the  congregation  he  now 
lives  in,  but  is  sent  back  by  it  to  the  congregation  that  ex- 
pelled him,  to  see  whether  it  could  release  him,  or  be  recon- 
ciled with  him,  and  it  does  release  him  upon  his  confession 
and  repentance.  ISTow,  which  congregation  is  to  receive 
him  into  membership?")  Answer:  The  expelled  member 
must  be  received  by  the  church  that  expelled  him,  or  make 
full  satisfaction  to  that  church,  in  person  or  by  letter,  and 
then  he  can  be  received  into  the  church  in  which  he  lives. 

Art.  3.  What  is  to  be  done  with  the  following  cas.e :  A 
brother  buys  real  estate,  and  becomes  much  involved  in 
debt  by  borrowing  money,  and  otherwise,  and  then,  to  se- 
cure some  one  or  two  of  his  creditors,  mortgages  all  of  his 
real  estate  to  them.  He  afterward  appoints  a  trustee  to  sell 
his  property,  which  does  not  cover  the  liens  against  it,  and 
the  wife,  who  is  a  sister,  takes  from  the  trustee  a  portion 
of  the  personal  property,  in  consideration  of  her  relinquish- 
ing her  potential  right  of  dower,  while  much  money  will 
be  lost  by  the  creditors?  Answer:  If  the  church  in  which 
the  case  exists  is  satisfied  that  there  was  no  intention  to  de- 
fraud, on  the  part  of  the  brother,  and  that  the  sister,  by 
taking  the  personal  property,  as  stated,  was  an  advantage, 
rather  than  a  disadvantage,  in  the  sale  of  the  real  estate,  it 
may  retain  them  as  members  under  a  satisfactory  ackuowl- 
edgment. 

Art.  4.  Shall  it  be  an  order  among  the  brethren  to  re- 
ceive persons  into  the  church  as  members,  when  they  are 
sick,  without  baptism,  with  the  promise  that  they  will  be 
baptized  when  they  get  well?     Answer:  Let  persons  who 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  243 

wish  to  be  received  into  the  church,  and  who  are  too  sick 
to  have  the  ordinance  of  baptism  administered  to  them,  be 
considered  candidates  for  baptism,  to  receive  the  ordinance 
as  soon  as  circumstances  will  permit,  but  not  in  full  mem- 
bership until  they  are  baptized. 

Art.  5.  How  is  it  considered  when  members  of  the 
church,  that  are  sick,  call  for  the  elders  of  the  church,  and 
are  anointed  according  to  the  gospel,  and  then  again  resort 
to  the  use  of  medicine  ;  is  it  wrong  to  do  so  ?  Answer  : 
We  do  not  consider  it  wrong,  according  to  the  gospel,  to 
do  so. 

Art.  6.  As  we  see  a  difference  in  the  words  used  in 
anointing  the  sick,  we  therefore  ask  for  the  most  proper 
ceremony  and  manner  for  observing  the  same,  according  to 
the  gospel  and  practice  of  the  old  brethren.  Answer:  As 
the  difference  is  not  stated  in  the  query,  we  know  of  noth- 
ing better  than  that  which  the  brethren  have  given  us  in 
the  appendix  to  the  minutes  of  1853.  The  following  is  the 
order  referred  to : 

About  the  anointing  of  the  sick.  (See  Art.  43.)  (From 
the  minutes  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  in  Augusta  County, 
Virginia,  in  the  year  1827.) 

******* 

Of  the  order  of  anointing  the  sick.  The  order  has  ever 
been,  in  the  first  place  to  sing  a  few  lines,  and  to  turn  to 
God  in  a  united  prayer.  Then  (there  ought  always  to  be 
two  brethren)  the  one  holds  out  his  hand,  and  the  other 
pours  the  oil  on  it,  and  the  first  putteth  the  same  on  the 
head  of  the  sick,  and  says  the  words  which  the  Apostle 
James  teacheth  (chap.  v.  14) :  "  Thou  art  anointed  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,"  and  thus  three  times,  but  the  words 
only  once  said.  Then  both  brethren  lay  their  hands  upon 
che  head  of  the  sick,  and  pray  over  him ;  for  it  is  not  con- 
sidered to  be  intended  only  an  inward  unction,  but  an  out- 
ward anointing,  whereof  the  apostle  speaks,  as  mentioned 
before. 


244  MINUTES    OF 

(From  manuscript  accounts  of  elder  brethren  concerning 
the  same,  and  exhibiting  it  more  particularly.)  As  regards 
the  anointing,  it  requires  two  brethren  in  order  to  perform 
it  according  to  the  advice  of  the  apostle,  since  he  says : 
"Let  him  call  for  the  elders  of  the  church,  and  let  them 
pray  over  him."  These  words  require  more  than  one. 
Now,  when  we  are  going  to  perform  the  same,  the  first  we 
do,  after  singing  a  few  appropriate  lines  and  briefly  ex- 
horting, is  to  turn  to  God,  unitedly,  and  to  pray  God  for  a 
blessing  upon  ourselves,  upon  the  sick  member,  and  upon 
all,  as  we  do  in  a  meeting,  and  there  is  liberty  to  pray  for 
all  the  brethren  present.  If  time  will  permit,  and  strangers 
are  present,  the  passage  from  James  v.  may  be  read,  as  far 
as  relates  to  this  matter,  and  briefly  commented'  upon. 
Then  the  sick  member  is  raised  to  a  sitting  posture,  and 
the  elder  brother  reacheth  forth  his  hand,  and  the  other 
brother  pours  the  oil  upon  it,  which  he,  the  first,  puts  upon 
the  head  of  the  sick,  and  thus  three  times  saying  the  words 
of  the  apostle :  "  Thou  art  anointed  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  unto  the  strengthening  of  thy  faith,  unto  the  com- 
forting of  thy  conscience,  and  unto  a  full  assurance  of  the 
remission  of  thy  sins,"  or  as  the  Lord  may  give  utterance ; 
and  then  the  brethren  both  put  their  hands  on  the  sick, 
even  as  it  is  done  when  a  brother  is  ordained,  and  pray 
chiefly  for  the  sick  member.  Such  an  example  we  have 
of  the  Savior,  as  we  see  in  Mark  vi.  15,  and  xvi.  18,  and 
this  is  the  order  the  brethren  have  administered  the  same. 
Brethren,  also,  who  are  not  ordained,  may  administer  it  in 
cases  of  necessity. 

#  ;je  $  sf:  sfc  *  sfs 

Art.  7.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  brother  has  been 
elected  to  the  ministry,  but  who  has  never  exercised  in  his 
office,  and  who  has  no  confidence  in  his  ability  to  be  useful, 
asks,  after  eighteen  months  from  the  time  he  was  elected 
to  the  office,  to  be  released  from  serving?  Answer:  "We 
think  the  time  specified  above  is  too  short  to  try  a  brother, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         245 

and  we  think  the  brethren  had  better  encourage  such  a 
brother  to  speak  and  exercise  in  his  office,  but  let  him  not 
be  over  urged. 

Art.  8.  Inasmuch  as  in  the  minutes  of  1849,  tenth  query, 
the  stock  of  railroads  and  banks  are  coupled  together,  we 
desire  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1860  to  consider  each  subject 
separately,  and  to  give  an  answer  to  each.  Answer:  We 
advise  brethren  not  to  invest  their  money  in  bank  stock  at 
all,  and  would  advise  them  to  be  cautious  of  all  incorporated 
companies. 

Art.  9.  We,  the  brethren,  assembled  in  general  district 
council,  at  the  Valley  meeting-house,  in  Botetourt  County, 
Virginia,  desire  that  the  brethren  in  the  Annual  Council 
meeting  of  1860  devise  some  plan  or  way  to  remodel,  or 
enlarge  by  appendix,  our  hymn-book,  so  as  to  satisfy  the 
wants  of  the  brethren.  Answer:  To  comply  with  the 
above  request,  this  Annual  Meeting  appoints  a  commit- 
tee of  five  to  make  a  new  hymn-book,  with  the  under- 
standing that  as  many  of  the  hymns  in  the  present  book 
as  possible  be  retained.  The  following  brethren  constitute 
the  committee:  James  Quinter,  Ohio;  Samuel  Garber,  Illi- 
nois; John  Metzger,  Indiana;  John  H.  Umstad,  Pennsyl- 
vania; John  Kline,  Virginia. 

Art.  10.  A  brother  has  a  wife,  who  is  not  a  member  of 
the  church,  and  she  refuses  to  live  with  him  peaceably;  and 
having  been  living  apart  from  him  for  more  than  two  years, 
the  brethren  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  believing 
the  wife  to  be  the  cause  of  the  trouble,  she  now  demands 
a  divorce.  Xow,  brethren,  we  would  be  very  glad  if  you 
will  give  us  advice  in  this  case.  Answer:  We  think  a 
brother  can  not  grant  or  accept  of  a  divorce  for  any  cause 
but  that  of  fornication.  "But  I  say  unto  you,  that  whoso- 
ever shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving  for  the  cause  of  forni- 
cation, causeth  her  to  commit  adultery;  and  whosoever 
shall  marry  her  that  is  divorced,  committeth  adultery." 
Matt.  v.  32;  I.  Cor.  vn.  15. 


246  .      MINUTES   OF 

Art.  11.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  order  of  the  brethren, 
and  the  gospel,  to  receive  a  member  into  the  church  with- 
out the  counsel  of  the  church,  when  it  is  practicable  to  have 
a  council?     Answer:  It  is  not  consistent. 

Art.  12.  Whereas,  the  brethren  in  California  and  Oregon 
have  earnestly  desired  and  requested  a  delegation  of  two 
or  three  brethren  to  be  sent,  by  the  Annual  Council  of  the- 
brethren,  to  encourage  and  strengthen  them,  and  "to  set  in 
order  the  things  needed"  for  a  proper  organization  of 
churches  according  to  the  gospel  of  Christ,  as  well  as  to 
preach  the  gospel  where  Christ  is  not  known.  The  meet- 
ing, therefore,  receiving  with  favor  the  request,  came  to  the 
following  conclusion  concerning  the  subject :  It  was  decided 
that  the  standing  committee  of  this  Annual  Meeting  form 
a  board  for  the  purpose  of  corresponding  with  brethren,, 
and  of  ascertaining  if  any  seem  to  be  called  to  the  work, 
and  of  judging  of  their  fitness  for  it,  and  for  making  the 
necessary  arrangements  for  carrying  out  the  purpose  of  this 
Annual  Meeting,  to  comply  with  the  request  from  the  breth- 
ren in  California  and  Oregon.  And  in  order  to  obtain  the 
necessary  pecuniary  aid,  this  meeting  recommends  to  all  the 
churches  to  make  contributions  for  the  purpose,  and  to  re- 
port to  the  board  the  result  of  their  operations.  James 
Quinter,  of  Columbiana,  Columbiana  County,  Ohio,  was 
appointed  corresponding  secretary,  and  Daniel  P.  Sayler, 
Double  Pipe  Creek,  Carroll  County,  Maryland,  treasurer. 

Art.  13.  Requests  for  committees :  .1.  A  request  for  a 
committee  to  visit  the  Limestone  congregation,  in  Wash- 
ington County,  Tennessee,  to  settle  existing  difficulties. 
The  request  was  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  con- 
stitute the  committee:  John  Wine,  Martin  Miller,  Jacob 
Miller,  Peter  Crumpacker,  Benjamin  Moomaw,  Jacob  Wine, 
and  Martin  Garber.  2.  This  Annual  Meeting  ascertaining 
that  difficulties  exist  in  the  church  in  Cedar  County,  Mis- 
souri, appoints  the  following  brethren  as  a  committee  to 
visit  said  church,  and  to  settle  the  difficulties:  John  Metz- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        247 

ger,  Jacob  Brower,  and  David  Brower.  3.  A  request  for  a 
committee  to  visit  the  Ridge  Church,  in  Cumberland  County, 
Pennsylvania,  to  investigate  grievances  therein  existing. 
The  request  was  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were 
appointed  on  the  committee:  Henry  Koontz,  Christian 
Keefer,  George  Beer,  Peter  Long,  and  David  Bosserman. 

Art.  14.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting  :  1.  A  request 
from  the  Miami  churches,  Ohio,  for  the  meeting  of  1862, 
was  renewed.  2.  The  request  from  the  Clover  Creek  Church, 
Blair  County,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  meeting  of  1863,  was 
renewed.  3.  A  request  from  the  "Wayne  County  Church, 
Indiana,  for  the  meeting  of  1862.  4.  A  request  from  Ap- 
panoose County  Church,  Iowa,  for  the  meeting,  but  no  time 
named.  5.  The  request  from  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  for 
the  meeting  of  1861,  was  renewed,  and  granted.  Hence, 
our  next  Annual  Meeting  will  be  held,  the  Lord  willing, 
with  the  brethren  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  on  Pentecost, 
1861.  Beaver  Creek  congregation,  Rockingham  County, 
has  been  selected  as  the  place  for  the  meeting.  Corres- 
pondence can  be  held  with  the  following  brethren :  John 
Wine,  Martin  Miller,  and  Daniel  Thomas,  Bridgewater. 
Rockingham  County,  Virginia.  Directions  to  brethren 
coming  to  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1861,  by  public  convey- 
ance :  Those  coming  from  the  south  and  southwest,  will 
come  to  Staunton  by  railroad,  and  from  that  place  to  Mt. 
Crawford,  which  is  seven  miles  from  the  place  of  meeting. 
Those  coming  from  the  northwest  and  east,  will  come  by 
the  city  of  Washington,  to  Alexandria,  and  then  take  the 
Manassas  Gap  Railroad  to  Mt.  Jackson,  and  thence  to 
Harrisonburg  by  stage.  The  place  of  meeting  is  ten  miles 
from  Harrisonburg.  Further  information  will  be  given 
through  the  "Visitor"  in  due  time. 

Standing  committee,  etc. :  Peter  Nead,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  of 
Ohio;  Henry  Koontz,  D.  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland;  John 
Kline,  Daniel  Barnhart,  Abraham  XefY,  Peter  Nininger,  of 


248  MINUTES    OF 

Virginia;  John  Metzger,  of  Indiana;  Christian  Long,  of 
Illinois. 

D    1\  SayleM  clerk8. 

J.    QUINTER.  j 

D.  P.  Sayler,  Moderator. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1861. 

Pursuant  to  appointment  made  on  Pentecost  last  at  An- 
nual Meeting  in  Washington  County,  Tennessee,  the  breth- 
ren met  in  Annual  Council.  A  very  large  congregation 
having  assembled,  public  worship  was  commenced  on  Sun- 
day morning,  at  the  usual  time,  and  conducted  at  three 
different  places  :  in  the  meeting-house,  in  the  tent,  and  in 
the  grove,  at  each  of  which  places  the  people  assembled  in 
dense  crowds,  as  far  as  the  speaker  could  be  heard  uuder- 
standingly,  and  still  there  were  many  who  did  not  get  any 
benefit  of  the  preaching,  for  which  there  seemed  to  be  an 
ardent  desire;  so  much  so,  that  all  the  meeting-houses  in 
the  surrounding  country  and  villages  were  opened  for  our 
use,  and  pressing  invitations  given  to  the  brethren  to  oc- 
cupy them. 

It  was  therefore  to  be  regretted  that  there  were  not  more 
ministering  brethren  present.  The  brethren  here  had  also 
made  extensive  preparations  for  the  bodily  comfort  of  those 
who  should  be  with  them,  and  seemed  to  lament  much  that 
the  brethren  from  distant  parts  were  not  with  them  to  share 
in  their  hospitality,  as  well  as  in  the  spiritual  feast  they  had 
anticipated.  Nevertheless,  as  there  were  many  brethren 
and  sisters  present,  we  enjoyed  a  feast  of  fat  things  to- 
gether, forgetting,  for  the  time  being,  the  confusion  of  the 
political  affairs  without,  owing  to  which  many  of  the 
churches,  composing  our  common  fraternity,  were  not  rep- 
resented. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        24:9 

But,  not  wishing,  by  any  means,  to  change  the  regular 
usages  of  the  church  whereby  the  fraternal  bond  of  our 
common  brotherhood  might  be  affected,  we  have,  there- 
fore, with  those  elders  and  brethren  who  have  assembled, 
after  having  dedicated  ourselves  anew  to  God,  concluded 
to  proceed,  with  the  business  before  us,  in  the  regular  way. 
Accordingly,  the  queries  presented  were  considered,  and 
disposed  of  in  the  manner  following,  to-wit : 

Article  1.  Are  we  to  understand  by  the  grant  of  social 
meetings,  as  decided  in  Annual  Meeting  of  1858,  to  make 
public  appointments  frequently  where  there  is  an  organized 
church  and  preaching  every  two  weeks,  and  in  conducting 
them,  liberty  to  be  given  to  any  brother  or  sister,  or,  if  time 
admit,  for  all  to  rise  to  their  feet  by  course,  and  exhort ; 
and,  if  not  so  to  be  understood,  what  will  the  Annual 
Council  say  the  order  of  social  meetings  shall  be?  Con- 
sidered, that  the  order  should  be  according  to  that  rule  laid 
down  by  the  apostle  in  I.  Cor.  xiv.  27-40.  And  to  unite 
with  other  professors  in  worship  in  our  meetings  is  incon- 
sistent with  the  gospel  and  the  practice  of  the  church. 

Art.  2.  Is  it  in  harmony  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel, 
when  brethren  teach  school,  at  the  expiration  of  the  term, 
to  hold  exhibitions,  attended  with  music  ?  Considered, 
that  it  is  not,  and  that  brethren  would  better  close  by  sing- 
ing and  prayer.     (See  James  v.  13,  and  Eph.  v.  19.) 

Art.  3.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren  have  decided,  in  con- 
ference, that  members  who  would  not  conform  to  the  order 
in  dress  as  generally  practiced  by  the  old  brethren  and  sis- 
ters, that  they  could  not  have  the  privilege  to  the  commun- 
ion. But,  as  this  does  not  restrain  them  into  the  order,  we 
wish  to  know  whether  the  church  has  the  right  to  deal  with 
them  as  offenders  when  they  will  not  conform  in  dress  or 
to  wearing  caps,  and  leave  oft*  wearing  hoops  ?  Considered, 
that  such  members  should  be  admonished,  and  that  warmly, 
too,  to  lay  aside  all  superfluities  and  conform  to  the  order 


250  MINUTES   OF 

of  the  church.  Otherwise  they  must  and  will  be  regarded 
as  disobedient  members.     (See  Romans  xn.) 

Art.  4.  How  would  it  be  considered  where  a  brother  and 
sister  hold  personal  property  and  real  estate,  and  the  brother 
dies;  has  the  sister  a  right  to  take  the  benefit  of  the  law 
and  hold  three  hundred  dollars  of  the  personal  property 
and  one-third  of  the  real  estate,  and  by  so  doing  so  injure 
the  sale  of  the  other  two-thirds  of  the  real  estate  that  it 
will  not  sell  for  near  its  value,  aud  will  not  pay  more  than 
one-half  of  the  indebtedness  of  the  estate,  whereas,  if  she 
had  let  the  whole  of  the  land  be  sold  together,  it  would 
have  paid  all  the  debts,  and  then  left  to  her  one-third  of 
the  money.  Considered,  that  as  it  is  impossible  for  all  the 
circumstances  to  be  known  in  such  cases  to  an  Annual 
Meeting,  therefore  such  things  ought  to  be  settled  by  com- 
mittees at  home,  selected  by  the  parties  and  the  church. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  considered  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  for 
a  member  to  hold  forfeit-money  under  any  circumstances 
whatever?  Considered,  that  it  is  not  right  when  the  holder 
is  not  injured  by  the  transaction,  and  if  he  is,  he  should 
only  keep  enough  to  indemnify  himself  for  such  loss. 

Art.  6.  Will  this  Yearly  Meeting  grant  the  privilege  to 
reprint  all  the  minutes  of  the  Yearly  Meetings,  so  that  those 
wishing  to  have  them  may  have  a  full  copy  ?  Kesolved,  by 
this  Annual  Meeting,  that  this  subject  should  be  attended 
to,  and  we  therefore  recommend  that  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  gather  up  all  the  minutes,  as  far  back  as  can  be 
had,  and  bring  them  together  in  such  a  way  and  form  as 
maybe  thought  best,  and  we  hereby  appoint  brethren  Henry 
Kurtz,  of  Ohio,  Andrew  Spanogle,  of  Pennsylvania,  John 
Kline,  of  Virginia,  Christian  Long,  of  Illinois,  and  Philip 
Boyle,  of  Maryland,  to  attend  to  said  business,  and  report 
to  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

Art.  7.  Contains  a  remonstrance  from  the  Sugar  Creek 
Church,  Allen  County,  Ohio,  as  follows :  "Having  assem- 
bled in  council,  and  having  under  consideration  the  mis- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        251 

sionary  question,  we,  the  church  aforesaid,  enter  our  remon- 
strance against  all  plans  that  have  been  recommended 
through  the  'Visitor,'  save  the  one  on  page  279,  of  Septem- 
ber number  last."  All  business  upon  this  subject  is  referred 
to  the  next  Yearly  Meeting. 

Art  8.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  ad- 
minister the  communion  to  the  sick  or  disabled  members 
in  the  day  time,  and  without  celebrating  the  other  ordi- 
nances connected  with  it  ?  Considered,  not  according  to 
the  gospel,  because  the  Master  instituted  it  in  the  night. 
However,  there  is  no  impropriety  in  attending  to  it,  if  done 
in  the  regular  way  and  at  the  proper  time,  in  connection 
with  the  other  ordinances  instituted  with  it. 

Art.  9.  When  expelled  members,  upon  application,  are 
readmitted,  how  shall  they  be  received  by  the  church  ? 
Considered,  that  the  applicating  member  be  received  by 
the  hand  of  fellowship  and  the  kiss  of  charity;  but  that 
the  (reinstated)  brother  or  sister  go  around  to  all  the  mem- 
bers, and  (in  order  to)  be  received  by  them. 

Art.  10.  How  is  it  considered  if  brethren  suffer  their 
children  to  take  an  active  part  in  school  debates  and  exhi- 
bitions ?  Considered,  that  there  can  be  no  objection,  if  cou- 
pucted  in  an  orderly  manner;  and  we  advise  brethren  (at 
the  same  time  not  to  forget)  to  bring  up  their  children  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Art.  11.  Shall  members  be  allowed  to  go  to  the  Lord's 
table  and  partake  of  the  bread  and  the  cup  of  the  Lord, 
and  when  so  done  afterward  bring  up  old  complaints  again, 
or,  shall  the  church  act  upon  such  complaints  or  not? 
Considered,  that  when  any  matter  has  once  been  fairly  in- 
vestigated by  the  church,  or  settled  betweeu  two  parties, 
the  decision  should  be  final,  and  it  a  member  should  after- 
ward revive  it,  they  should  be  held  responsible  and  fall 
into  the  dealings  of  the  church,  more  especially  after  hav- 
ing partaken  of  the  communion. 

Art.  12.  Shall  the  church  receive  a  complaint  against  a 


252  MINUTES    OF 

member  before  the  offended  brother  go  and  tell  his  brother 
his  fault  between  himself  and  him  alone  or  not  ?  Consid- 
ered, that  if  we  would  read  the  rule  of  life  as  contained  in 
Matt,  xyiii,  we  would  find  no  need  of  originating  such 
questions. 

Art.  13.  Resolved,  that  we  are  opposed  to  a  treasury  for 
the  exclusive  benefit  of  the  ministry,  but  that  every  church 
should  encourage  their  ministers  to  be  active  in  their  call- 
ing, and  also  to  support  them  in  all  cases  of  necessity. 
Considered,  that  we  fully  concur  in  the  sentiment  above 
expressed. 

Art.  14.  That  we  are  in  favor  of  postponing  the  revision 
of  our  hymn-books.  Considered,  since  a  committee  was 
appointed,  by  last  Yearly  Meeting,  to  attend  to  this  busi- 
ness, and  circumstances  preventing  their  action,  we  are  in 
favor  of  extending  the  same  committee,  to  consummate  the 
work  assigned  them  at  their  earliest  convenience. 

Art.  15.  Would  it  not  be  better,  and  give  more  satisfac- 
tion to  the  brotherhood  at  large,  if  the  brethren  serving  or 
composing  the  standing  committee  at  our  Annual  Meetings 
would  be  changed  every  year,  so  as  to  have  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  the  same  fresh  members  ?  Considered,  that  we 
do  not  think  it  advisable  to  make  any  change  in  the  man- 
ner of  choosing  the  standing  committee,  and  are  still  sat- 
isfied with  the  decision  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  1853. 
(See  Article  1,  in  the  minutes  of  that  year.) 

Art.  16.  Is  it  proper  or  profitable  for  brethren  to  engage 
in  public  discussions  with  other  professors  upon  religious 
or  other  subjects?  Considered,  that  we  think  it  right  to 
defend  the  gospel,  when  interrogated  (or  assailed)  either  in 
private  or  public  ;  but  that  we  should  not  engage  in  worldly 
or  political  subjects,  at  least  not  to  discuss  them  publicly. 

Art.  17.  A  committee  being  requested  to  go  to  Kansas, 
Breckenridge  County,  etc.,  to  settle  all  matters  of  difficulty 
existing  there,  we,  the  standing  committee,  do  appoint  the 
following  brethren  to  attend  to  this  business  to-wit:  John 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  253 

Metzgcr,  of  Indiana,  Christian  Long,  of  Illinois,  and  Sam- 
uel Lehman,  also  of  Illinois. 

Art.  18.  And  there  being  a  call  for  a  committee  to  attend 
and  settle  matters  in  the  Leading  Creek,  and  also  in  the 
church  on  Dryfork,  in  Randolph  County,  Virginia,  the  call 
is  favorably  received,  and  the  following  brethren  are  hereby 
appointed,  viz. :  Joseph  Arnold,  of  Hampshire,  Jacob  Mil- 
ler, of  Rockingham,  and  Jacob  Wine,  of  Shenandoah,  Vir- 
ginia. 

Art.  19.  As  to  the  mode  of  setting  apart  suitable  breth- 
ren for  the  proposed  Pacific  mission,  we  recommend  that 
the  vote  of  the  whole  church  be  taken,  and  [that  the  two 
brethren  receiving  the  vote  of  the  greatest  number  of 
churches  shall  be  declared  elected,  and  if  either  of  them 
could  not  go,  then  the  next  highest,'etc. ;  and  we  further 
recommend  that  all  the  churches  take  immediate  action, 
and  report  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  board  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose.  For  information,  refer  to  the 
minutes  of  last  Yearly  Meeting  (1860.) 

Art.  20.  The  request  of  the  churches  in  the  Miami  Val- 
ley (Ohio)  for  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1862,  was  favorably 
received  and  granted  ;  therefore,  the  Lord  willing,  our 
Yearly  Meeting  will  take  place,  on  Pentecost  next,  in  Bro. 
Abraham  Erbaugh's  district,  ten  miles  from  Dayton,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Ohio,  three  miles  from  Brookville  station, 
on  the  Dayton  &  Union  Railroad.  Letters  addressed  to 
Bro.  Erbaugh,  New  Lebanon,  Montgomery  County,  Ohio, 
will  be  attended  to. 

We,  the  brethren  composing  the  standing  committee,  do 
hereby  annex  our  names  in  testimony  of  our  consent  to  the 
decisions  of  the  queries  before  the  meeting : 

Joseph  Arnold,  George  Shaver,  Peter  Crumpacker,  Mar- 
tin Miller,  Daniel  Miller,  of  Ohio. 

John  Kline,  Moderator. 

Benjamin  F.  Moomaw,  Secretary. 


254  minutes  o; 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1S62. 

A  very  large  number  of  persons  having  assembled  on 
Saturday,  meetings  for  worship  were  held  on  that  day. 
The  congregation  being  very  large  on  Lord's-day,  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  having  divine  service  conducted  in 
live  different  places,  and  in  the  German  and  English  lan- 
guages. A  large  number  of  the  ministering  brethren  pres- 
ent participated  in  the  labors  of  the  day,  and  good  attention 
was  given  to  the  Word  preached. 

After  the  devotional  exercises,  on  Monday  morning,  the 
council-meeting  was  organized  by  appointing  the  following 
standing  committee :  John  Berkley  and  John  Zug,  of  Penn- 
sylvania; Daniel  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland;  John  Kliue  and 
John  "Wine,  of  Virginia;  John  B rower,  Henry  Kurtz,  and 
Joseph  Showalter,  of  Ohio;  John  Metzger,  and  Jacob 
Miller,  of  Indiana;  Sam.  Garber  and  Dan.  Sturgis,  of  Illi- 
nois; John  Bower,  of  Kansas;  John  Ogg,  of  Minnesota; 
Abraham  Replogle,  of  Iowa.  Daniel  P.  Sayler  and  James 
Quinter  were  appointed  clerks,  and  John  Kline  moderator. 

The  delegates  then  presented  themselves  before  the  gen- 
eral committee,  and  presented  the  papers  which  they 
brought  from  the  churches,  by  whom  they  were  sent  as  dele- 
gates. It  was  ascertained  that  there  were  represented  at 
this  council-meeting  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  congre- 
gations, by  about  two  hundred  and  forty  delegates.  The 
general  committee,  having  received  the  papers  addressed 
to  the  meeting,  distributed  such  as  contained  queries  to 
twenty  sub-committees,  who  retired  and  prepared  their  re- 
ports. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  brethren  assembled  in  General 
Council,  to  receive  and  consider  the  reports  of  the  sub- 
committees. The  meeting  was  opened  with  devotional  ex- 
ercises. The  object  of  the  meeting  was  then  explained. 
After  this  the  queries  were  considered,  and  the  following 
answers  given  by  the  meeting : 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  255 

Article  1.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  brethren 
to  hold  Sabbath-schools;  and,  if  so,  how  should  they  be 
conducted  ?  Answer :  The  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting 
of  1857  is  re-adopted. 

Art.  2.  With  regard  to  prayer-meetings,  how  should 
they  be  conducted?  Answer:  All  our  meetings  for  divine 
service  should  be  conducted  according  to  the  gospel,  which 
requires  all  things  to  be  done  decently  and  in  order. 

Art.  3.  If  a  sister  is  married  to  a  man,  who,  after  living 
with  her  awhile,  leaves  her,  aud  she,  not  hearing  from  him 
for  several  years,  marries  again,  can  she  be  held  as  a  mem- 
ber ?     Answer:  No;  she  could  not  be  held  as  a  member. 

Art.  4.  In  installing  official  members  into  office  in  the 
church,  is  there  to  be  any  difference  observed  between  near 
relations?     Answer:  There  is  no  difference  to  be  observed. 

Art.  5.  In  case  a  complaint  is  found  against  a  brother 
because  he  was  sued  at  court  for  an  honest  debt,  and  then 
took  the  stay,  and  when  he  is  visited  he  denies  the  charge, 
and  says  that  he  was  not  sued ;  but  the  brethren,  having 
evidence  to  the  contrary,  agree  to  send  two  brethren  to  the 
county  clerk's  office,  and  the  clerk  shows,  by  his  record, 
that  the  brother  was  sued,  and  took  the  stay  for  nearly  six 
months,  and  then  paid  the  debt,  together  with  the  costs. 
Now,  the  question  is,  which  is  to  be  taken  as  truth,  the 
brother's  word,  or  the  record  in  the  clerk's  office  ?  And 
have  the  brethren  a  right,  or  have  they  not,  to  send  breth- 
ren to  the  world  to  investigate  church  matters  ?  Answer  : 
It  is  not  wrong  for  brethren  to  have  such  matters  closely 
investigated,  and  to  obtain  all  the  light  possible. 

Art.  6.  Is  it  proper  for  the  visiting  brethren,  at  our  pub- 
lic meetings,  when  there  are  from  three  to  six  laboring 
brethren  present,  to  rise  to  their  feet,  and  line  out  a  hymn, 
and  exhort,  in  preference  to  the  laboring  brethren,  or  are 
they  to  keep  their  seats?  Answer :  The  laboring  brethren 
are  to  conduct  the  meeting,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  the  visit- 
ing brethren  to  exhort  when  liberty  is  given  them. 


256  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  7.  Is  it  allowed  by  the  brethren,  in  Annual  Council, 
for  the  members  of  the  church  to  attend  singing-schools  on 
Sundays,  or  at  night,  or  in  the  week?  Answer:  While  we 
would  caution  our  members,  especially  the  young,  against 
the  abuses  of  singing-schools,  we  would  not  absolutely  for- 
bid them,  if  conducted  orderly,  and  if  they  do  not  conflict 
with  the  time  of  preaching. 

Art.  8.  Is  it  wrong  for  brethren  to  put  bells  on  their 
meeting-houses  ?  Answer  :  We  do  not  think  it  advisable 
to  encourage  brethren  to  have  bells  on  their  meeting- 
houses. 

Art.  9.  When  official  members  move  from  one  district  to 
another,  should  they  be  received  with  hand  and  kiss,  or  is 
a  letter  sufficient?  Answer:  Art.  0,  of  the  minutes  of  1846, 
re-adopted,  and  here  to  be  re-printed:  "Is  a  brother,  that 
was  a  speaker  or  deacon,  and  has  moved  into  another 
church,  properly  reinstalled  in  his  office,  if  an  ordained 
brother  takes  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and  announces  the 
same  to  him,  without  he  being  received  by  the  members- 
with  hand  and  kiss?  Considered,  unanimously,  by  -the? 
elders,  that  inasmuch  as  he  was  properly  received  into  hi& 
office  by  the  church  in  which  he  was  chosen,  he  would  be 
sufficiently  established." 

Art.  10.  How  are  we  to  proceed  with  members  who  will 
neglect  to  attend  council  and  public  meetings,  and  that  for 
months?  Answer:  Such  members  should  be  admonished,, 
again  and  again,  and  their  reasons  for  non-attendance  ascer- 
tained, and  the  danger  of  living  in  such  a  manner  set  before' 
them.     (See  Heb.  x.  25.) 

Art.  11.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  so  many  secret  societies, 
such  as  Freemasons,  Odd-Fellows,  Sons  of  Temperance,  etc.,, 
and  as  the  members  of  Christ's  church  are  not  allowed  to 
belong  to  any  of  them,  would  it  not  be  best  to  ask  all  ap- 
plicants for  membership  whether  they  belong  to  any  secret 
order;  and  if  they  do,  to  inform  them  that  they  must  re- 
nounce all  such  before  they  are  received  into  the  church?: 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  257 

Answer:  If  there  is  a  suspicion  of  any  applicant  for  mem- 
bership having  fellowship  with  such  societies,  we  think  it 
not  wrong  to  ask  such  a  question. 

Art.  12.  How  is  it  considered  for  brethren  to  wear  the 
beard  on  the  upper  lip,  they  being  conscientious  in  doing 
so?  If  a  brother  does  not  shave  any,  we  would  leave  it 
with  his  conscience;  but  if  he  lets  it  stand  on  his  upper  lip 
only,  we  consider  it  wrong. 

Art.  13.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  church  did,  some  years 
ago,  in  presence  of  two  ordained  elders,  put  in  avoidance  a 
member,  having  committed  one  of  those  sins  mentioned  in 
I.  Cor.  v.  11,  and  at  a  later  date  the  same  church  did  decide 
a  similar  case  differently,  by  a  strong  majority,  in  opposi- 
tion to  one  ordained  elder  and  the  housekeeper  in  the 
church?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as  Brethren  Henry  Kurtz 
and  Jacob  Snyder  have  taken  this  matter  in  hand,  we  leave 
it  to  those  brethren  to  come  to  a  union  with  the  church 
concerned. 

Art.  14.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  church  nas  several 
ministers  of  equal  standing,  and  none  of  them  ordained, 
has  the  housekeeper,  or  have  the  ministers,  a  right  to  call 
to  their  assistance  an  ordained  brother,  without  the  counsel 
of  the  church  ?  Answer :  They  have  not  the  right  to  do 
so  without  the  counsel  of  the  church. 

Art.  15.  How  is  it  considered,  if  a  minister  defends  and 
justifies  slavery,  even  in  a  public  debate?  Answer:  It  is 
utterly  wrong  for  any  brother  to  do  so,  according  to  Matt, 
vn.  12. 

Art.  16.  Inasmuch  as  the  Yearly  Meeting  has  allowed 
of  brethren's  children  taking  au  active  part  in  school  exhi- 
bitions, if  properly  conducted,  is  it  wrong  for  brethren  to 
go  with  them,  to  investigate  such  exhibitions?  Answer: 
We  consider  it  best  to  leave  the  answer  to  query  10  of  last 
Yearly  Meeting,  as  it  is  ;  and  in  answer  to  the  additional 
question  whether  the  parents  may  go  to  school  exhibitions, 
we  would  say  we  consider  it  best  for  them  not  to  go,  if  their 
17 


258  MINUTES    OF 

going  would  be  likely  to  encourage  any  thing  that  is  of  an 
evil  character. 

Art.  17.  Is  it  considered  right,  according  to  the  gospel, 
for  a  brother  to  marry  a  woman  (not  a  sister)  that  is  divorced 
from  her  husband,  when  it  is  not  known  whether  that 
divorced  husband  is  dead,  and  the  ordained  elder,  who  per- 
formed the  marriage  ceremony,  contends  that  all  is  right  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  wrong  for  any  brother  in  the  min- 
istry to  perform  such  marriage,  and  also  wrong,  according 
to  the  gospel,  for  any  brother  or  sister  to  be  married  to  auy 
such  party. 

Art.  18.  The  brethren  assembled  in  council  in  the  Val- 
ley of  Virginia,  being  impressed  with  the  importance  of 
having  the  public  more  fully  enlightened  upon  the  ordi- 
nances, have  agreed  to  adopt  the  plan  at  our  communion 
meetings,  when  it  is  expedient,  in  the  afternoon  service,  to 
occupy  the  time  in  discussing  these  subjects  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  evening  exercises.  Will  the  Annual 
Meeting  approve  of  this  plan,  insert  it  on  the  minutes,  and 
recommend  it?  Answer:  While  we  strongly  recommend 
the  defense  of  the  ordinances,  we  leave  it  to  the  discretion 
of  the  churches  to  decide  the  time  and  place  of  their  de- 
fense. 

Art.  19.  Inasmuch  as  it  is  the  order  of  the  brethren  that 
sisters  should  wear  caps,  what  should  be  done  with  a  sister 
in  case  of  stubbornness  ?  And  should  there  be  any  allow- 
ance made  for  the  unmarried  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  it 
is  the  duty  of  all  the  sisters  to  have  on  a  plain  covering  at 
the  time  of  worship. 

Art.  20.  What  shall  be  done  in  such  a  case  as  follows  : 
There  is  a  brother  and  sister  living  here  who  claim  to  have 
stood  in  full  fellowship  with  a  church  called  Dunkards,  in 
Lycoming  County,  Pennsylvania.  When  asked  for  a  cer- 
tificate, the  brother  said  the  church  from  which  they  moved 
did  not  give  certificates,  allowing  that  their  conduct  should 
Buflice,  and  this  has  been  quite  satisfactory  to  the  members 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  259 

of  this  church.  "^  Answer :  We  consider  it  right,  in  all  cases, 
when  members  move  from  one  arm  of  the  church  to  an- 
other, that  they  shall  present  to  the  church  wherein  they 
wish  to  reside,  a  certificate,  to  prove  their  membership  in 
the  church  from  whence  they  came,  or  give  satisfaction  to 
the  church  of  which  they  wish  to  become  members. 

Art.  21.  Would  it  not  be  better,  instead  of  asking  the 
consent  of  each  individual  member  concerning  the  recep- 
tion of  an  applicant,  to  make  the  request  general,  that  is, 
ask  the  church  as  a  body  whether  they  are  willing  to  re- 
ceive such  applicant,  and  if  they  are,  let  silence  give  con- 
sent ;  and  if  not,  that  member  who  is  not  willing  to  receive 
such  applicant,  shall  have  full  privilege  to  state  his  or  her 
objections?  Answer:  This  is  left  optional  to  each  arm  of 
the  church. 

Art.  22.  How  is  it  considered  for  sisters  to  wear  hoops, 
and  to  conform  themselves  to  the  new  fashions  of  the 
world — shall  we  tolerate  it  or  not  ?  Answer:  The  answer 
to  the  third  query  of  last  Yearly  Meeting  is  re-adopted. 

Art.  23.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  and  the  rule  of  the 
brethren  for  a  bishop  to  put  the  office  of  elder  or  second 
degree  of  the  ministry  upon  a  brother,  when  it  appears  the 
majority  of  the  members  present  are  opposed,  and  so  are 
also  two  elders  who  are  present  ?  And  when  it  is  proposed 
to  take  the  voice  or  vote  of  the  church,  that  is  also  refused, 
but  he  puts  the  office  upon  him  when  he  has  got  his  hat  on 
and  when  he  is  quarreling  with  another  brother,  and  when 
nearly  all  the  members  have  left,  all  but  eight  or  ten  ?  And 
is  such  a  brother  legally  installed  into  office?  Answer: 
We  consider  such  a  brother  not  legally  installed.  And  we 
consider,  according  to  the  gospel,  that  the  bishop  who  did 
so,  should  make  satisfaction  to  the  church. 

Art.  24.  How  is  it  considered  when  a  brother  commits 
an  offense  against  the  church,  and  the  church  takes  his  case 
into  consideration  ?  lie  acknowledges  the  offense,  and  is 
sorry  for  it,  and  asks  forgiveness;  has  the  church  a  right 


260  MINUTES    OF 

to  advise  him  not  to  commune?  Answer:  If  the  church 
forgives  him,  and  receives  him  into  full  fellowship,  it  has 
no  right  to  forbid  him  to  commune. 

Art.  25.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  for  a  brother 
to  buy  land  that  is  sold  by  the  county  for  taxes  ?  Answer : 
We  consider  that  it  is  wrong  for  brethren  to  do  so,  when 
done  for  speculation. 

Art.  26.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  brother  that  buye 
whiskey  by  the  barrel,  and  sells  it  to  such  as  he  thinks  use 
it  temperately,  and  when  admonished  once  and  again  not 
to  sell,  he  says  he  will  be  more  careful  to  sell  to  none  but 
those  who  use  it  temperately  ?  Answer :  Any  brother  deal- 
ing in  intoxicating  liquors,  if  he  continues  to  do  so  after 
being  admonished,  can  not  be  fellowshiped  as  a  brother. 

Art.  27.  A  person  was  baptized,  and  thus  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church ;  afterward  thought  he  was  not  in  the 
right  state  of  mind  when  he  had  been  baptized,  and  felt 
that  if  he  would  die  in  this  state  he  would  be  lost,  and  then 
made  application  to  be  re-baptized.  The  brethren  in  the 
congregation  tried  to  reconcile  him,  and  could  not,  and  also 
sent  strange  and  elder  brethren  to  talk  with  him,  who  also 
failed  to  satisfy  him.  After  repeated  and  continued  appli- 
cation for  re-baptism,  a  brother,  without  the  counsel  of  the 
church,  baptized  him  over  again,  when  he  became  recon- 
ciled. Now,  did  the  brother  who  re-baptized  the  person  do 
his  duty?  Answer:  We  think  he  did  not  do  his  duty,  but 
did  wrong. 

Art.  28.  Can  the  church  hold  in  fellowship  persons  liv- 
ing as  husband  and  wife,  while  the  husband's  former  wife 
is  living,  from  whom  he  was  divorced,  but  not  for  the  cause 
of  fornication  ?  Answer:  We  consider,  according  to  Matt. 
xix.  9,  that  the  churGh  can  not  hold  such  in  fellowship. 

Art.  29.  Is  it  right  for  a  son  to  put  his  father  on  the 
county  to  be  kept,  both  being  members  of  the  church  ? 
And  if  not  right,  where  does  the  father  belong?  in  the 
district  where  he  is  on  the  county,  or  in  that  from  which 


NNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  261 

he  was  taken?  Answer:  We  consider  it  wrong  for  a  son 
or  brother  to  do  so.  And  the  father,  under  the  circum- 
stances stated,  would,  of  course,  belong  to  the  district  from 
which  he  was  taken. 

Art.  30.  What  shall  we  do  with  brethren  of  whom  the 
world  complains  to  the  church  for  neglecting  to  pay  their 
debts,  and  for  causing  disappointments  to  their  creditors? 
Answer:  If  the  brethren  can  and  will  not  pay  their  debts, 
they  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  gospel,  as  offend- 
ing  members. 

Art.  31.  Will  the  brethren,  at  Annual  Meeting,  consider 
it  right  to  establish  Sunday-schools?  and  if  they  do  con- 
sider it  right,  will  they  also  consider  it  right  for  members 
of  the  church,  and  their  children,  to  attend  Sunday-school 
■celebrations  ?  Answer :  We  consider  it  right  to  have  Sun- 
day-schools, if  conducted  by  brethren,  but  not  to  have  cel- 
ebrations. 

Art.  32.  Where  ministering  brethren  have  difficulties  in 
the  church,  and  when  they  are  not  in  full  fellowship  with 
the  church,  in  breaking  bread,  etc.,  may  they  still  continue 
to  preach  and  appoint  meetings  ?  Answer :  We  consider 
that  such  brethren  should  be  reconciled  to  the  church  be- 
fore they  make  appointments  to  preach. 

Art.  33.  Would  it  not  be  advisable,  when  an  election  is 
to  be  held  for  both  a  speaker  and  a  deacon,  at  the  same 
time,  to  hold  the  election  for  the  speaker  firft,  and  make 
the  result  known,  and  then  hold  the  election  for  the  deacon 
or  deacons,  as  the  case  may  be?  Answer:  We  consider  it 
would  be  advisable  to  do  so. 

Art.  34.  Can  this  Annual  Meeting  allow  brethren,  and 
especially  the  bishops  and  ministering  brethren,  to  suffer 
their  children,  while  under  their  control,  to  follow  all  the 
foolish  fashions,  such  as  wearing  of  hoops,  and  unnecessary 
ornaments  of  the  body  ?  Answer:  We  consider  that  such 
things  should  not  be  tolerated  by  the  brethren  while  they 
■can  reasonably  be  prevented. 


262  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  85.  Is  the  practice  of  one  ministering  brother  do- 
ing all  the  vocal  praying  in  the  assemblies  of  Christians, 
and  ending  his  prayer  with  the  Lord's  prayer,  more  like 
the  apostolic  advice  and  practice  than  that  of  our  brethren 
formerly,  when  two  exercised  in  vocal  prayer  ?  Answer  : 
We  consider  it  is  not,  when  there  are  several  brethren 
present. 

Art.  36.  Is  the  practice  good  and  sustained  in  the  gos- 
pel for  the  church  enjoining  on  the  believing  wives  of  teach- 
ers the  duty  of  aiding,  by  their  humble  example  and  chaste 
conversation,  their  husbands  in  the  solemn  duty  laid  upon 
them?  Answer:  We  consider  such  a  practice  in  perfect 
harmony  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel. 

Art.  37.  Why  are  not  the  sisters,  who  become  wives  of 
ministers  after  they  are  appointed  to  the  ministry,  called 
upon  in  the  church  to  promise  the  same  duties  as  the  sis- 
ters who  are  wives  at  the  time  their  husbands  are  appointed 
to  the  office  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  they  should  be,  ac- 
cording to  the  practice  of  the  church  touching  those  who 
are  wives  of  brethren  when  the  latter  are  appointed  to 
office. 

Art.  38.  If  the  servants  of  the  church,  receiviug  the 
office  of  teaching,  and  after  a  while  become  more  worldly 
in  appearance  and  manner,  whose  duty  is  it  to  admonish 
them  ?  Is  it  the  duty  of  any  member,  or  only  the  duty  of 
the  minister?  Answer:  We  consider  it  to  be  the  duty  of 
any  member  to  admonish  such  in  the  spirit  of  meekness 
and  love. 

Art.  39.  How  is  it  considered  when  visiting  brethren 
will,  in  meeting,  get  upon  their  feet  and  speak  when  there 
are  elected  speakers  present,  and  sometimes  speak  thirty 
minutes  or  upward,  and  that  without  liberty  from  the 
speakers?  If  that  is  not  in  order  for  visiting  brethren, 
what  is  the  order?  Is  it  to  stand  upon  their  feet  when 
they  have  any  thing  to  say,  or  to  keep  their  seats?  An- 
swer :  We  consider  it  out  of  order  for  visiting  brethren  to- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        263 

do  so,  without  liberty  being  given  by  ministering  brethren, 
if  such  are  present. 

Art.  40.  Has  a  church  a  right  to  exclude  a  member  be- 
fore informing  him  of  the  charge  they  have  against  him  ; 
and  if  not,  what  course  should  a  member  pursue  that  has 
been  disowned  that  way?  Answer:  The  church  has  no 
right  to  do  so  without  duly  notifying  him,  and  if  they  do 
so,  he  is  entitled  to  a  re-hearing,  with  the  assistance  of 
elders  from  other  churches. 

Art.  41.  What  will  the  Annual  Council  advise  in  the 
following  cases,  viz. :  A  number  of  brethren  in  district  A 
become  prejudiced  against  the  body  of  the  church  and  will 
not  attend  council  and  other  meetings,  after  being  cited 
frequently  to  do  so.  But  they  will  attend  meetings  and 
councils  in  district  B,  or  the  adjoining  district,  and  they 
also  will  contribute  means  and  money  for  the  benefit  of  the 
said  district  B,  to  the  entire  neglect  of  their  own  district? 
Also,  what  will  Annual  Council  say  of  the  brethren  in 
district  B  who  encourage  those  brethren  of  district  A  to 
continue  in  such  a  practice?  Answer:  We  consider  it 
wrong  for  brethren  to  aid  other  districts  and  to  neglect 
their  own,  and  we  also  Consider  it  wrong  for  a  neighboring 
church  to  pursue  such  a  course  as  district  B  is  said  to  have 
done. 

Art.  42.  IIow  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  has  any  griev- 
ance against  another  brother,  so  that  he  will  say  he  will 
never  break  the  bread  of  communion  with  that  brother? 
But  the  offended  brother  does  not  pursue  the  course 
directed  in  Matt,  xviii.,  but  will  go  and  break  bread  where 
the  brother  who  has  offended  him  is  not  present,  and  after 
some  years  tells  this  brother  that  he  will  never  go  to  the 
communion  with  him.  Is  it  right  for  members  to  do  so, 
or,  have  members  any  right,  after  they  go  to  a  communion, 
to  say  any  thing  afterward  about  difficulties  which  had  ex- 
isted before  ?     Answer :  We  consider  a  brother  has  no  right, 


264  MINUTES    OF 

under  such  circumstances,  to  commune  until  he  shall  have 
become  reconciled  to  his  brother. 

Art.  4o.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  word  of  God  to 
have  supper  on  the  table  before  washing  feet  ?  Answer  : 
We  consider  that  it  is. 

Art.  44.  Is  it  according  to  the  word  of  God  when  a  com- 
mittee of  brethren  come  into  a  church  or  district  to  exam- 
ine and  settle  difficulties,  to  withdraw  before  they  have 
heard  the  members  in  church  council,  or  to  withdraw  after- 
ward, and  then  hear  each  member  separately,  and  then  de- 
cide without  giving  the  members  concerned  any  knowledge 
of  it  or  any  opportunity  to  answer  complaints  made  against 
them  ?  Answer :  We  consider  that  it  should  be  left  optional 
with  the  committee,  after  having  the  parties  face  to  face. 

Art.  45.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  the  stand- 
ing committee  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  send  a  committee 
into  a  church,  if  desired  by  such  that  are  expelled  from  the 
church  according  to  Matt,  xvnr.,  the  church  having  no 
knowledge  of  it?  Answer:  No;  but  the  church  which 
has  expelled  him  should  call  a  committee,  if  the  expelled 
member  requests  it. 

Art.  46.  Is  it  according  to  the  word  of  God  for  such  per- 
sons as  are  excommunicated  from  the  church  council,  the 
salutation,  and  the  communion,  according  to  Matt,  xvni., 
to  come  before  the  committee,  and  can  their  complaints 
against  members  be  received  as  evidence?     Answer:  No. 

Art.  47.  How  is  it  considered  when  two  members  of  the 
church,  a  visiting  brother  and  his  wife,  see  another  visiting 
brother  intoxicated ;  afterward  these  two  brethren  visit  the 
church  and  commune  together,  and  some  two  months  after- 
ward the  first  brother  named  and  -a  private  brother  saw 
the  same  brother  again,  as  they  thought,  with  too  much 
liquor.  Still  there  is  no  complaint  made  to  the  church 
until  some  six  or  seven  months  after  the  first  transgression, 
though  there  have  been  two  or  three  church  meetings  held 
in  the  time.     Then  the  first  brother  named  lays  in  com- 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  265 

plaint.  What  is  now  the  duty  of  the  church  in  this  and 
suchlike  cases?  Answer:  We  consider  both  parties  are 
in  fault,  and  they  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt. 

XVIII. 

Art.  48.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  visiting  brother,  at  a 
meeting  where  there  are  five  or  six  ordained  brethren,  hears 
something  said  which  does  not  suit  him,  and,  after  two  or 
three  have  spoken,  arises  up  and  explains  the  subject  ac- 
cording to  his  own  view  ?  Answer :  We  consider  it  out  of 
order  for  visiting  brethren  to  rise  and  speak  when  minis- 
tering brethren  are  present,  unless  asked  by  them  to  do  so. 

Art.  49.  Should  the  hand  be  withheld  or  offered,  as  con- 
nected with  the  admonition,  in  admonishing  a  brother  ? 
Answer  :  We  consider  that  the  right  hand  of  friendship 
may  be  offered,  supposing  it  to  be  included  in  the  admoni- 
tion. 

Art.  50.  Is  it  advisable  to  hold  an  election  for  a  minis- 
ter or  deacon  in  one  part  of  a  congregation  (in  that  in 
which  it  is  most  needed),  and  none  but  the  members  in  that 
part  voting,  it  being  too  small  to  form  a  separate  church, 
providing  the  whole  church  consents  to  hold  such  an  elec- 
tion ?     Answer  :  We  consider  it  advisable  to  do  so. 

Art.  51.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  member  that  has  been 
excommunicated,  makes  application  to  be  received  again, 
and  there  is  a  council-meeting  held,  and  a  complaint  is 
made  against  him  so  that  he  can  not  be  received,  and  some 
one  goes  and  tells  the  excommunicated  member  all  that 
has  been  said  against  him  in  council  ?  How  is  such  a  mem- 
ber to  be  dealt  with  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  it  very  wrong 
to  report  any  thing  done  in  council  to  such  persons,  except 
the  charges  made  against  them. 

Art.  52.  Would  it  be  against  the  order  of  the  gospel,  or 
of  the  brethren,  for  a  church,  if  the  members  agree  to  do 
so,  to  hold  a  love-feast,  without  tendering  an  invitation  to 
any  of  the  members  of  the  adjoining  churches  but  the  min- 
istering brethren  ?     Answer :  We  consider  if  a  church,  for 


266  *  MINUTES    OF 

want  of  room,  or  for  other  good  reasons,  thinks  it  proper 
to  hold  a  love-feast  without  giving  a  general  invitation,  it 
may  he  permitted  to  do  so. 

Art.  53.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  to  pronounce 
a  benediction  over  the  people  at  the  close  of  a  funeral  serv- 
ice at  the  grave  ?  And,  if  so,  what  should  be  the  form  ? 
Answer  :  We  have  no  authority  in  the  gospel  for  doing  so, 
and  no  such  custom  among  the  brethren  to  sanction  it. 

Art  54.  Who  are  the  elders  spoken  of  by  James,  that 
are  to  be  sent  to  anoint  the  sick  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  ? 
Answer:  The  ordained  elders,  if  they  can  be  obtained;  if 
not,  the  next  in  office. 

Art.  55.  Which  is  the  most  advisable  in  holding  council- 
meetings,  to  ask  each  individual  member  for  his  consent, 
or  to  take  silence  for  consent?  Answer:  In  all  weighty 
matters  it  is  best  for  each  member  to  answer 

Art.  56.  Is  the  testimony  of  one  witness  sufficient 
authority  to  expel  a  member,  under  any  circumstance, 
when  the  accused  denies  and  objects  to  the  testimony? 
Answer:  One  witness  is  not  sufficient,  in  general,  but  we 
will  not  say  that  under  no  circumstances  one  is  not  suffi- 
cient. 

Art.  57.  Can  a  member,  who  is  accused  of  some  fault, 
give  testimony  before  the  church  ?  Answer :  While  a  per- 
son is  a  member  of  the  church  his  testimony  can  not  be 
altogether  set  at  naught  by  the  church. 

Art.  58.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren  in  Annual  Council  of 
1856  have  recommended  the  churches  to  hold  district  or 
council-meetings,  and  with  this  we  have  complied  ;  now, 
we  wish  to  know  whether  we  should  take  minutes  of  our 
proceedings?  Answer:  We  consider  that  no  query  of  im- 
portance, acted  on  by  the  sub-district  meeting,  should  be 
confirmed  until  presented  to  the  Annual  Meeting  for  its 
sanction. 

Art.  59.  If  a  man  and  his  wife  leave  one  church  and  go 
iuto   another,  with  a  recommendation   from  the   former, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         267 

which  is  received  by  the  latter ;  after  awhile  the  sister 
leaves  her  husband,  the  brother,  and  returns  to  the  church 
which  she  first  left,  charging  her  husband  with  crimes  com- 
mitted before  the  recommendation  was  given.  I^ot  bring- 
ing a  recommendation  from  the  church  from  which  she  last 
came,  the  former  receives  her  or  retains  her  as  a  member, 
and  acts  on  the  case  of  her  husband  and  expels  him.  Did 
this  church  do  right  ?  Answer :  "We  consider  that  no  church 
should  receive  a  member  from  another  without  a  certificate, 
or  to  expel  a  member  without  a  hearing. 

Art.  60.  How  shall  we  regard  the  conduct  of  a  brother 
who  travels  through  different  churches,  and  when  he  comes 
into  the  congregation  he  falls  down  on  his  knees  and  makes 
a  private  prayer,  mortifying  some  of  the  members?  Had 
he  not  better  make  his  private  prayers  where  no  human 
eye  can  see  him?  Answer:  We  think  it  is  out  of  order 
to  do  so,  and  the  brother  should  do  so  no  more. 

Art.  61.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel,  and  the  order 
of  the  brethren,  for  wealthy  brethren  to  make  it  a  rule  or 
custom,  when  they  lend  money  to  poor  brethren  or  others, 
to  make  those  who  borrow  the  money  pay  the  tax  on  the 
money,  when  they  receive  interest  on  the  money?  If  not 
consistent  with  the  gospel,  what  is  to  be  done  with  such  a 
brother?  Answer:  We  think  it  is  not  consistent  with  the 
gospel  to  take  more  than  lawful  interest.  (See  Luke  in. 
13.) We  think  such  a  brother  should  be  admonished  by  the 
church,  and  if  he  will  not  hear  the  church,  he  should  be 
dealt  with  according  to  Matt.  xvni. 

Art.  62.  Has  a  brother  the  right  to  put  the  law  in  force 
against  his  brother,  to  collect  money,  in  any  shape  or  form 
whatever,  without  giving  him  notice  before  ?  Answer :  In 
no  case  whatever. 

Art.  63.  Will  the  brethren,  in  Annual  Council,  consider 
it  right  for  ministering  brethren  to  receive  members  into 
the  church  without  requesting  them  to  lay  off  the  fashions 
of  the  world  in  regard  to  apparel,  and  to  conform  to  the 


268  MINUTES    OF 

order  of  the  brethren  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  it  would 
not  be  right  to  do  so.     (See  Horn.  xn.  2.) 

Art.  64.  How  is  it  considered  if  members  owe  a  just 
debt,  and  suffer  themselves  to  be  sued  ?  Has  the  church  a 
right  to  bring  such  members  before  the  church,  and  to  in- 
vestigate the  case,  to  see  whether  such  members  have  done 
their  duty  ?     Answer :  We  consider  it  has. 

Art.  65.  Would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  the 
gospel,  and  the  example  of  Christ,  to  omit  returning  thanks 
between  the  supper  and  the  communion  ?  Answer :  We 
think  it  best  to  return  thanks,  according  to  I.  Thess.  v.  18. 

Art.  Q<o.  We  wish  to  have  the  first  query  in  the  minutes 
of  the  last  Yearly  Meeting  reconsidered,  and  a  more  defi- 
nite answer  given.  Answer:  In  reconsidering  the  query 
alluded  to,  we  conclude  that  we  can  not  give  a  more  definite 
answer  than  was  given  in  1858,  query  40,  and  in  1861, 
query  1. 

Art.  67.  When  a  person,  having  received  baptism  in  the 
same  way  that  we  perform  it,  but  by  a  minister  of  a  differ- 
ent denomination,  wishes  to  be  united  to  the  brethren,  must 
such  a  person  be  re-baptized  in  order  to  be  received  into 
our  church?  Answer:  We  refer  to  the  minutes  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1848,  Art.  5. 

Art.  68.  How  shall  we  proceed  in  case  a  sick  member 
requests  the  communion?  Will  any  time  do?  And  must 
feet-washing  and  the  supper  accompany  the  communion  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  best  to  administer  it  in  the  even- 
ing, according  to  the  example  of  Christ.     John  xin. 

Art.  69.  How  is  it  considered  when  ministeriug  brethren, 
after  preaching,  go  into  the  congregation  and  invite  persons 
to  join  the  church  ?  Answer:  We  consider  it  best  to  do  as 
was  done  in  Acts  n. 

Art.  70.  Requests  for  committees:  1.  A  committee  for 
Hush  Creek  Church,  Hocking  County,  Ohio.  The  follow- 
ing brethren  form  the  committee:  John  P.  Ebersole,  Elias 
Dicky,  and  II.  Davy.     2.  A  committee  to  visit  the  Elk  Lick 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         269 

Church,  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania.  John  Kline  and 
John  Wine  were  appointed  on  this  committee,  with  author- 
ity to  add  one  to  the  number. 

Art.  71.  Resolved,  by  this  council-meeting,  that  no  query 
shall  be  presented  to  the  Annual  Conference  without  being- 
signed  by  the  elders,  in  the  name  of  the  church  in  which  it 
originates. 

Art.  72.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting :  1.  A  request 
from  northern  Illinois,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1864,  or 
as  soon  as  it  can  be  had.  2.  A  renewal  of  the  request  of 
the  .Nettle  Creek  Church,  Wayne  County,  Indiana,  for  1864. 
3.  The  request  of  the  Clover  Creek  Church,  Blair  County, 
Pennsylvania,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1863,  was  re- 
newed, and  granted.  Our  next  Annual  Meeting  will,  there- 
fore, the  Lord  willing,  be  held  with  the  brethren  in  Blair 
County,  Pennsylvania,  on  Pentecost,  1863. 

Brethren  from  the  east  and  southeast  will  go  to  Hunt- 
ingdon, on  the  Pennsylvania  Central  Railroad;  there  take 
the  Huntingdon  and  Broadtop  Railroad  to  Cove  Station, 
which  is  four  miles  and  a  half  from  the  place  of  meeting. 
Those  from  the  west  will  stop  at  Altoona,  and  take  the 
branch  to  Hollidaysburg,  which  is  about  fourteen  miles 
from  the  place  of  meeting ;  or,  if  they  prefer  to  do  so,  they 
can  go  to  Huntingdon,  and  then  take  the  route  the  breth- 
ren from  the  east  are  directed  to  take.  Correspondence 
can  be  held  with  Daniel  M.  Holsinger  and  George  Brum- 
baugh, Martinsburg,  Bkiir  County,  Pennsylvania. 

P.  S. — Inasmuch  as  the  old  clerk,  Henry  Kurtz,  declined 
the  clerk's  office,  offered-  him  by  the  standing  committee, 
the  giving  out  of  certificates  and  return  tickets  on  the  rail- 
roads was  left  to  him,  with  authority  to  call  in  the  assist- 
ance of  other  brethren,  especially  since  illness  made  him 
almost  totally  unfit  for  business. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  the  meeting  and  general  committee. 

I).  P.  Sayler, 
J.  Quinter. 

John  Kline,  Moderator. 


l>  |  Clerks. 


270  MINUTES   OF 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1863. 

The  religious  exercises  began  Saturday  morning,  and 
were  continued  on  the  Lord's-day  in  different  places,  and 
likewise  every  evening  while  the  meeting  lasted.  On 
Monday  morning  the  meeting  was  organized  for  busi- 
ness, by  the  nomination  of  a  standing  committee,  before 
which  appeared  the  delegates  of  the  several  churches,  hand- 
ing in  their  letters  and  queries.  The  business  then  was  dis- 
tributed among  fourteen  committees  for  investigation,  and 
on  Tuesday  morning  the  public  discussion  commenced  of 
those  matters  laid  before  the  meeting.  They  were  as  fol- 
lows: 

Article  1.  How  are  we  to  deal  with  our  brethren  who 
have  enlisted  and  gone  to  the  army  as  soldiers  or  teamsters, 
or  those  who  have  been  drafted,  and  are  gone  to  the  army  ? 
"We  think  it  not  expedient  to  consider  (or  discuss)  these 
questions  at  this  time.  Still  it  is  believed,  and  was  ex- 
pressed, the  gospel  gave  sufficient  instruction. 

Art.  2.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  goes  to  law  with 
an  outsider,  without  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and  causes 
quite  a  conspicuous  lawsuit;  how  are  we  to  deal  with  such 
an  one  according  to  the  gospel  ?  Are  we  to  visit  him,  ac- 
cording to  Matt,  xvin.,  or  bring  the  case  before  the  church 
at  once  ?     Bring  it  before  the  church  at  once. 

Art.  3.  How  are  we  to  deal  with  sisters  who  are  wearing 
hoops?  They  should  be  admonished  once  and  again;  and 
if  they  will  not  heed  the  admonitions,  they  should  be  dealt 
with  according  to  Matt.  xvin.    (See  Minutes  of  1861,  Art.  3.) 

Art.  4.  Is  it  contrary  to  the  gospel  to  have  lamb's  meat 
at  the  Lord's  Supper?  We  think  not;  but  since  the  gos- 
pel does  not  give  a  precept  or  example  of  what  the  supper 
did  or  shall  consist,  the  members  should  try  to  be  in  union, 
love,  and  forbearance  in  this  matter.  (See  Minutes  of  1853, 
Art.  21,  and  1855,  Art.  20.) 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         271 

Art.  5.  What  should  be  done  with  a  brother  that  would 
preach  that  slavery  was  right  according  to  the  Scriptures, 
and  cause  discord  among  the  brethren?  Inasmuch  as  the 
brethren  always  believed,  and  believe  yet,  that  slavery  is  a 
great  evil,  and  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  Christ,  we  con- 
sider it  utterly  wrong  for  a  brother  to  justify  slavery, 
either  in  public  or  in  private,  and  that  he  should  be  admon- 
ished, and  if  obstinate,  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to 
Matt.  xvin. 

Art.  6.  Would  it  not  be  expedient  and  consistent  that 
the  brethren  forming  the  standing  committee  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  the  brethren  should  open  and  examine  all  ques- 
tions (sent  in  by  the  several  churches,  and  assort  them),  and 
thereby  save  an  amount  of  unnecessary  labor  and  time 
spent,  as  there  are  frequently  two,  three,  and  even  more, 
queries  of  the  same  import  and  meaning  sent  in,  and  acted 
upon  (separately  reported  hitherto  by  different  committees) 
at  the  same  conference,  which,  we  think,  could  be  avoided 
in  a  great  measure  ?     Considered,  it  is  expedient. 

Art.  7.  A  woman  leaves  her  husband  because  he  com- 
mitted adultery,  and  he  then  leaves  the  neighborhood. 
About  three  years  after  the  woman  marries  again,  having 
obtained  a  divorce  from  her  former  husband,  and  after  the 
expiration  of  another  three  years,  both  the  woman  and  the 
husband  she  now  has,  apply  to  the  church  to  become  mem- 
bers, the  woman  not  having  heard  from  her  discarded  hus- 
band all  that  time;  can  she  be  received?  We  think  they 
can  not  be  received  without  the  church  being  satisfied  that 
the  first  husband  be  dead.     I.  Cor.  vn.  39. 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  considered  if  brethren  appoint  meet 
ings,  and  invite  speakers  from  other  congregations,  who 
conform  themselves  too  much  to  the  fashions  of  the  world 
by  wearing  apparel,  and  those  appointments  and  invitations 
are  made  without  the  consent  of  the  church  or  bishop,  and 
are  offensive  to  some  members?  We  think  members 
should  not  do  so  without  the  consent  of  the  elder  or  the 
church. 


272  MINUTES   OF 

Art.  9.  If  one  brother  should  demand  and  receive  more 
interest  from  another  brother  than  the  law  allows,  and  the 
latter  acquiesces  for  years,  but  finally  becomes  dissatisfied, 
must  he  make  the  complaint  to  the  church,  or  commence 
in  the  ordinary  way,  by  going  first  privately  to  the  offend- 
ing brother,  etc.  ?  Answer :  The  dissatisfied  brother  should 
proceed  according  to  Matt,  xvur.,  and  the  offending  brother 
should  refund  the  unlawful  interest  as  far  as  the  church  in 
which  both  reside  may  judge  equitable. 

Art.  10.  If  one  brother  clandestinely  slanders  another, 
then  gets  a  letter  of  recommendation  and  removes  from 
the  church  before  the  slandered  brother  is  aware  of  the 
offense  again st  him,  how  is  the  offended  brother  to  proceed  ? 
The  offended  brother  should  request  the  church  where  he 
lives  to  assist  him  in  getting  a  reconciliation. 

Art.  11.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  direction  of  the 
apostle  (I.  Tim.  n.  1,  etc.,)  to  have  any  exhortation  before 
prayer,  on  opening  meeting?  We  do  not  consider  Paul's 
exhortation  confined  to  opening  the  meeting,  and  therefore 
believe  a  word  of  exhortation  to  prayer  very  proper  in 
opening  the  meeting,' provided  the  exhortation  is  short, 
and  confined  principally  to  prayer 

Art.  12.  Inasmuch  as  it  is  the  decision  of  the  council  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting  that  members  who  commit  the  sin  of 
fornication  should  be  expelled  from  the  church,  according 
to  I.  Cor.  v.,  how  is  it  considered  when  a  church  retains 
members  who  have  committed  that  sin,  upon  a  confession 
of  being  sorry  for  it?  Answer:  Not  consistent  with  the 
word  of  God  (I.  Cor.  v.),  nor  with  the  ancient  order  of  the 
church. 

Art.  13.  When  a  member  of  the  church  is  known  to  be 
in  a  fault,  the  church  sends  the  visiting  brethren  to  the 
offending  members,  to  invite  them  to  the  council-meeting; 
the  visiting  brethren,  on  their  way,  are  apprised  of  another 
member  having  committed  a  fault;  have  they  aright  to  in- 
vite this  member,  also,  to  the  council-meeting,  or  must  they 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         273 

first  go  back  to  the  church  to  get  authority  for  this  second 
case?  They  have  a  right  to  visit  and  invite  the  member  to 
council-meeting. 

Art.  14.  How  is  it  considered  concerning  a  brother  in 
the  following  case:  A  certain  man,  not  a  member  of  our 
church,  forges  a  note  to  the  amount  of  three  hundred  and 
seventy-five  dollars  against  said  brother,  and  a  summons  is 
issued  and  served  by  the  sheriff  for  this  (false)  debt  against 
him.  In  consequence  of  this,  the  brother  testifies  against 
the  forger  before  a  court  of  justice,  who  is  convicted,  and 
sentenced  to  the  state  prison  for  a  term  of  years?  Consid- 
ered, that  the  brother  should  have  first  taken  counsel  of 
the  church. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  to  have 
stands  or  pulpits  erected  in  our  meeting-houses  ?  "We  have 
no  direct  gospel  upon  this  subject,  but  we  advise  the  breth- 
ren not  to  put  pulpits  or  stands  in  their  houses  of  worship, 
when  by  so  doing  confusion  and  disunion  may  be  produced. 

Art.  16.  Has  an  ordained  elder,  according  to  the  breth- 
ren's order,  the  right  to  come  into  an  adjoining  district, 
and  bring  a  committee  along  with  him,  and  there  recon- 
sider matters  without  the  counsel  of  the  church,  over 
which,  also,  an  ordained  elder  presides  ?  Considered,  that 
no  ordained  elder  has  a  right  to  do  so  [in  ordinary  cases.] 

Art.  17.  "What  plan  will  the  Yearly  Meeting  recommend 
or  adopt,  that  all  the  brethren  must  bear  an  equal  share  in 
paying  the  fines  government  will  impose  upon  those  breth- 
ren who  may  be  drafted  into  the  military  service  ?  In  this 
case  it  is  recommended  by  this  Yearly  Meeting  that  each 
member  should  be  willing  to  contribute  according  to  the 
true  avails  of  their  property,  according  to  Gal.  vi.  2. 

Art.  18.  Inasmuch  as  some  brethren  manifest  a  desire 
to  prohibit  brethren  from  voting  at  our  common  (political) 
elections,  do  not  the  brethren  in  Yearly  Council  see  it  to 
be  best  to  make  no  change  differing  from  the  counsel  and 
practice  of  our  ancient  brethren  in  these  days  of  trouble? 
18 


274  MINUTES    OF 

III  the  present  crisis  we  recommend  that  brethren  abstain 
as  much  as  possible  from  attending  elections,  according  to 
John  xviii.  36  ;  II.  Cor.  vi.  14-17. 

Art.  19.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  and  the  order 
of  the  brethren  for  a  brother  who  lays  a  complaint  of  bad 
conduct  of  another  member  before  the  church,  to  state  the 
case  himself,  in  the  presence  of  the  member  complained  of 
and  the  church,  or  shall  the  elders  of  the  church  state  it 
for  him,  and  thus  conceal  him  ?  Let  the  manner  of  pro- 
ceeding in  such  cases  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  church. 

Art.  20.  Can  an  arm  of  the  church  (or  a  local  church) 
be  congregational  or  act  independent  from  all  the  churches 
of  our  fraternity,  and  still  be  in  full  union  with  the  church  ? 
It  can  not,  according  to  the  gospel  and  the  order  of  the 
brethren.  (See  Eomans  xn.  4,  5  ;  I.  Cor.  i.  10;  Eph.  iv.  3, 
4,  etc.) 

Art.  21.  Whereas,  there  has  obtained,  of  late  years,  some 
difference  in  observing  the  Lord's  Supper  among  different 
churches,  some  setting  the  supper  on  the  table  before  feet- 
washing,  while  some  do  not  till  after  (the  latter  being  the 
old  universal  practice) ;  whereas  the  proceedings  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting  of  last  year,  in  Article  43,  have  grieved  some 
of  our  brethren :  and,  whereas,  a  conciliatory  course  should 
always  be  pursued  when  brethren  have  a  preference,  as  it 
regards  the  mode  or  way  of  observing  an  ordinance,  so  that 
it  is  properly  observed,  and~no  part  of  divine  truth  sacri- 
ficed, we  therefore  recall  the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing above  referred  to,  and  let  the  subject  of  the  time  of 
putting  the  supper  on  the  table  stand  precisely  where  it 
stood  previous  to  the  decision  of  1862,  with  the  under- 
standing that  the  churches  may  and  should  continue,  with- 
out making  any  change  either  way,  until  we  have  further 
light  on  the  subject,  to  bring  about  a  more  full  union. 

Art.  22.  Which  is  according  to  the  gospel,  to  transact 
church  business  at  our  common  council-meeting  ?  |  Shall 
they  be  public  before  the  world,  or  in  the  presence  of  our 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        275 

members  only  ?  Considered,  to  be  according  to  the  gospel 
that  [members  only  should'  compose  the  council-meeting. 
(See  Matt,  x,  which  whole  chapter  is  directed  to  disciples 
alone ;  Matt.  xvn.  17,  where  it  says  of  the  disciples  coming 
to  Jesus  apart ;  and  in  Mark  vi.  31,  Jesus  says  himself  to 
his  disciples,  "Come  ye  yourselves  apart,"  etc.,  etc.,  etc.) 

Art.  23.  Would  it  not  be  better  for  the  church  if  this 
Yearly  Meeting  would  adopt  the  district  meetings,  so  that 
the  different  states  may  form  their  districts  as  they  may 
see  proper?  Considered,  to  leave  this  matter  as  it  stands 
on  the  minutes  of  1856,  Article  23. 

Art.  24.  Would  it  not  be  for  the  better  to  have  the  min- 
utes of  the  Annual  Meeting  in  the  "Visitor"  once  a  year, 
provided  the  editors  were  willing  ?  Considered  not  advis- 
able to  have  the  minutes  printed  in  the  "Visitor." 

Art.  25.  Is  it  according  to  Scripture  for  (any  or)  each 
brother  of  the  church  to  have  the  privilege  to  appoint  meet- 
ings, attend  the  same,  and  preach  ?  We  think  it  is  not  in 
accordance  with  the  gospel,  nor  promotive  of  love  and 
union,  but  rather  a  fruitful  source  of  contention,  strife,  and 
disunion  ;  therefore,  no  brother  should  assume  such  author- 
ity, neither  should  any  brother  encourage  such  in  their 
proceedings ;  and  if  a  brother  will  preach  contrary  to  the. 
will  of  the  church  he  can  not  do  it  in  the  name  of  the 
church.     Approved  by  this  Yearly  Meeting. 

Art.  26.  If  brethren,  not  elected,  being  endowed  with 
the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  oc- 
cupy, with  their  talents,  as  their  Lord  commands,  and  be- 
ing called  on  by  the  people  to  preach,  have  the  bishops  of 
the  church  any  authority  from  the  gospel  to  forbid  it,  merely 
because  they  are  not  elected,  provided  he  or  they  •preach 
Jesus  to  edification,  exhortation,  and  comfort,  and  their 
appointments  do  not  conflict  with  any  regular  meetings  of 
the  church  ?  As  the  apostle  directs  the  spirit  of  the  proph- 
ets to  be  subject  to  the  prophets  (I.  Cor.  xiv.  35),  and  as 
God  is  said  to  be  the  author  of  peace,  and  not  of  confusion 


276  MINUTES    OF 

(verse  83),  and  as  the  apostle  asks  the  question, "How  shall 
they  preach  except  they  be  sent?"  (Romans  x.  15),  and  as 
Christ  selected,  from  the  number  of  his  disciples,  those 
that  he  designed  to  preach  the  gospel,  it  appears  by  the 
gospel  not  only  proper  but  necessary  that  there  should  be 
a  regular  induction  of  those  who  are  to  officiate  as  minis- 
ters into  the  office  of  the  ministry,  and  therefore  we  can 
not  sanction  the  idea  entertained  by  some,  that  any  brother 
may  go  out  and  appoint  meetings  for  preaching. 

Art.  27.  "Would  it  not  be  well  to  have  the  ninth  query 
of  1861  reconsidered?  Considered,  that  we  cannot  bet- 
ter it. 

Art.  28.  With  regard  to  the  question  whether  a  brother 
minister  was  rightly  dealt  with  who  has  taken  the  liberty 
to  do  servile  work  on  the  Lord's-day  repeatedly,  and  not- 
withstanding he  has  been  admonished  again  and  again, 
continues  to  defend  and  pursue  his  course  to  the  offense  of 
many  in  and  out  of  the  church,  it  appears  that  the  church, 
with  a  chosen  committee  of  elders,  has  decided  that  the 
brother  has  either  to  quit  this  practice,  or  the  exercise  of 
his  ministry.  The  standing  committee  unanimously  con- 
firms this  decision. 

Art.  29.  Requests  for  committees.  1.  A  committee  for 
Tulpehaccon  Church,  Pennsylvania ;  granted,  and  Henry 
Kurtz,  Peter  Long,  John  G.  Glock,  and  Isaac  Myer,  ap- 
pointed. 2.  A  committee  for  Lower  Shenandoah  Church, 
Virginia;  granted,  and  Henry  Kurtz,  Henry  Davy,  Jacob 
Wine,  John  Kline,  Daniel  P.  Sayler,  and  Daniel  Thomas, 
nominated.  Another  request  for  a  committee  was  not 
granted,  because  it  did  not  come  from  the  church,  which 
it  ought  to  do  in  all  cases. 

Art.  30.  Requests  for  the  Yearly  Meetiug.  1.  From  the 
Nettle  Creek  Church,  Indiana ;  twice  repeated  before.  2. 
From  Northern  Illinois ;  repeated  the  second  time.  3.  From 
Antietam  Church,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  meeting  in  1865. 

The  request  of  our  brethren  in  Wayne  County,  Indiana, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         277 

was  granted — to  have  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1364.  Hagers- 
town,  of  said  county,  on  the  Cincinnati  &  Chicago  Air-Line 
Railroad,  will  be  the  station  to  stop  at ;  the  place  of  meet- 
ing is  one  mile  from  this  station.  Bro.  David  Hardman 
and  David  Bowman  (Hagerstown  post-office),  will  give  all 
further  information  to  those  who  may  address  them. 

Art.  31.  About  railroad  privileges  for  next  year.  Bro. 
David  Hardman  and  other  corresponding  members  of  the 
above  church,  where  the  next  Yearly  Meeting  will  take 
place,  will  make  proper  arrangements  for  the  privilege  of 
railroads,  usually  granted,  to  make  timely  applications  at 
the  different  companies  in  their  immediate  vicinity.  Bro. 
D.  P.  Sayler  was  appointed  to  attend  to  the  obtaining  ot 
the  favor  from  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad;  Bro. 
C.  Custer  to  attend  to  the  same  on  the  Pennsylvania  Cen- 
tral ;  John  Metzger  for  other  roads  in  the  west,  and  Henry 
Kurtz  for  the  Pittsburg,  Fort  Wayne  &  Chicago  Railway. 

Art.  32.  Resolved,  that  this  meeting  return  its  thanks 
to  those  railroad  companies  that  have  grauted  the  favor  of 
excursion  tickets,  for  their  kindness. 

From  our  records  it  appears  that  this  year  one  hundred 
and  fifty-three  churches  were  represented  by  thirty-seven 
ordained  elders,  sixty-five  ministers  in  the  second,  and  sev- 
enteen in  the  third  degree,  twenty-nine  deacons,  and  ten 
private  members,  and  the  whole  meeting  passed  off  in  a 
pleasant,  and,  we  trust  in  God,  profitable  manner,  and  was 
closed  Wednesday  afternoon  with  prayer,  the  crowd  dis- 
persing fast. 

Signed  by  the  standing  committee  :  John  Wine,  of  Vir- 
ginia ;  D.  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland;  Samuel  Lehman  and 
Christopher  Long,  of  Illinois ;  Andrew  Spanogle,  Jsaac 
Meyer,  and  John  Holsinger,  of  Pennsylvania ;  Henry  D. 
Davy  and  Daniel  Miller,  of  Ohio  ;  John  Metzger  and  F. 
P.  Loehr,  of  Indiana ;  David  Brower,  of  Iowa. 

Henry  Kurtz,      1      n]    , 
James  Quinter,  /     L'ler]iS- 

John  Kline,  Moderator. 


278  MINUTES    OF 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1864. 

By  the  kind  permission  of  our  heavenly  Father  a 
very  large  number  of  brethren  were  permitted  to  meet, 
according  to  previous  arrangements.  The  religious  serv- 
ices commenced  on  Saturday,  and  were  continued  until 
Monday  noon.  The  multitude  present  was  very  large.  On 
Lord's-day  there  was  preaching  at  six  places.  There  seemed 
to  be  a  considerable  desire  manifested  to  hear  preaching, 
and  good  attention  was  manifested  to  the  word  preached. 

On  Monday  morning  the  meeting  was  organized  for  busi- 
ness by  appointing  a  standiug  committee  and  the  necessary 
officers.  The  delegates  then  reported  themselves  ;  where- 
upon it  was  ascertained  that  there  were  represented  in  this 
meeting  one  hundred  and  fifty  churches.  These  churches 
were  represented  by  two  hundred  and  thirty  delegates ; 
these  delegates  were  divided  as  follows :  Ordained  elders, 
seventy-two  ;  elders,  ninety-two ;  teachers,  twenty-two  ; 
deacons,  twenty-five ;  private  members,  eighteen  The 
business  was  then  'distributed  among  twelve  sub-commit- 
tees. These  commenced  reporting  on  Tuesday  morning, 
and  the  business  to  be  transacted  was  thus  brought  before 
the  General  Council,  and  we  hope,  in  the  fear  of  God, 
acted  upon.  The  following  queries  were  presented  to  the 
meeting  and  the  annexed  answers  given  : 

Article  1.  In  no  less  than  four  papers  the  question  is 
presented,  whether  it  is  right  and  proper  for  a  brother  to 
go  to,  or  take  part  in,  political  elections,  it  being  specially 
stated  that  it  had  caused  hard  feelings  and  disunion  ?  An- 
swer:  We  have  been  led  to  think  that  at  all  times  it  would 
be  best  and  most  consistent  with  our  profession,  and  spe- 
cially most  proper  and  safe  in  the  present  critical  state  of 
things,  to  have  nothing  at  all  to  do  with  politics,  and  en- 
tirely to  abstain  from  voting.  (See  II.  Cor.  vi.  14-17,  also 
Minute*  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1863,  Article  18.) 

Art.  2.  If  a  sister  has  a  husband  that  is  not  a  member 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         279 

in  the  church,  and  it  is  known  that  he  is  an  adulterer,  is  it 
consistent  with  the  gospel  for  her  to  live  with  him  and  be 
his  wife  ?  And  if  it  is  not  consistent  for  her  to  do  so,  has 
she  a  right  to  get  a  bill  of  divorcement  according  to  law  ? 
Answer:  As  to  the  first  part  of  the  query,  we  think  it 
should  be  left  to  her  choice  whether  to  live  with  him  or 
not.  And  as  to  the  second,  we  say,  with  Paul  (I.  Cor.  vn. 
10,  11),  "But  and  if  she  depart,  let  her  remain  unmarried.'' 

Art.  3.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  gospel, 
for  brethren  to  erect  lightning  rods  upon  their  buildings, 
and  to  have  their  property  and  lives  insured?  Answer: 
As  to  lightning  rods,  we  fully  agree  with  the  answer  given 
by  the  Yearly  Meeting  of  1851,  Article  7  :  "Considered, 
that  we  would  not  advise  brethren  to  do  so,  nor  would  we  say 
to  those  who  have  them,  to  take  them  down,  but  advise  all 
our  dear  brethren  to  bear  with  each  other  in  such  matters, 
and  to  try  to  put  their  chief  trust  in  God."  We  likewise 
agree  with  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1847,  concerning  the 
insurance  of  property:  "Considered,  that  we  can  not  ad- 
vise brethren  to  do  so,  neither  could  we  forbid  its  being 
done  in  a  mutual  way."  But  as  to  getting  their  lives  in- 
sured, we  advise  the  brethren  to  make  use  of  no  such  priv- 
ilege. 

Art.  4.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  many  members  of  our 
churches  traveling  from  one  state  to  another,  and  staying 
from  home  from  four  to  eight  months,  would  it  not  be  bet- 
ter for  members,  under  such  circumstances,  to  obtain  a  cer- 
tificate of  membership  from  the  church  in  which  they  live? 
Answer:  We  think  it  would  be  better  to  do  so. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  brethren 
to  donate  money  toward  building  meeting-houses  of  other 
denominations?  Answer:  Finding  no  gospel  upon  the 
subject  alluded  to  in  the  query,  we  leave  it  to  every  one's 
conscience  to  direct  in  the  case. 

Art.  6.  Have  the  brethren  a  gospel-right  to  serve  as  ju- 


280  MINUTES    OF 

rora  when  the  authorities  call  for  them?  Answer:  No;  as 
we  are  admonished  by  the  apostle  (II.  Cor.  vi.  14-18.) 

Art.  7.  When  the  apostles  prohibit  the  wearing  of  gold 
and  pearls  (I.  Tim.  n.  9  ;  I.  Peter  in.  3),  are  gold  watches 
to  be  included  ?  Answer:  As  the  carrying  of  gold  watches 
may,  and  is  likely  to,  lead  to  pride,  we  think  it  advisable 
not  to  wear  them. 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  considered  Dy  the  brethren  in  yearly 
council  assembled,  in  relation  to  members  who  do  not  con- 
form to  the  order  of  the  brethren  in  the  wearing  of  apparel, 
and  in  the  wearing  of  their  hair,  but  follow  the  fashions  of 
the  world  ?  Answer :  We  think  that  the  ministering  breth- 
ren should  heartily  admonish  and  urge  the  members  to  con- 
form to  the  order  of  the  brethren,  and  set  them  a  good 
example ;  and  if  those  who  are  admonished  again  and 
again,  and  that  by  the  church  too,  as  well  as  by  the  minis- 
ters, will  not  hear,  the  word  of  God  directs  us  what  to  do 
with  them.     (Matt,  xviii.) 

Art.  9.  How  does  the  Annual  Meeting  decide  upon  the 
following  case :  A  brother  is  totally  blind,  and  his  occupa- 
tion for  a  living  is  dealing  in  groceries  and  in  nearly  all 
kinds  of  intoxicating  liquors.  He  was  engaged  in  that 
business  before  belonging  to  the  church,  and  now  claims 
that  the  church  should  not  prohibit  him  from  selling  liquor, 
since  he  could  not  othewise  make  a  living.  Answer:  We 
consider  that  it  is  entirely  wrong  for  any  brother,  whether 
blind  or  not,  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  considered  right,  according  to  the  gospel, 
for  a  minister  to  wear  a  soldier's  overcoat  when  in  the  pul- 
pit, or  at  other  times  ;  and,  if  it  is  not,  how  is  such  a  brother 
to  be  dealt  with,  if  he  should  continue  to  wear  it  after  be- 
ing admonished?  Answer:  It  is  considered  not  advisable 
for  any  brother,  whether  a  minister  or  private  member,  to 
wear  any  military  clothing,  and  if  he  is  admonished,  and 
still  persists  in  being  disobedient,  he  should  be  dealt  with 
according  to  Matt.  xvni. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  281 

Art.  11.  As  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1862  has  justly  con- 
demned the  selling  of  intoxicating  liquors,  what  does  the 
Annual  Meeting  saj  of  the  practice  of  such  brethren  as 
engage  in  producing  corn  and  other  grain,  and  sell  it  to 
distillers  ?  Answer :  As  the  Scripture  explicitly  commands 
us  to  "abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil"  (I.  Thess.  v.  22), 
we  consider  it  best  to  advise  brethren  not  to  sell  any  grain 
to  distillers. 

Art.  12.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  still  a  difference  of  opin- 
ion relative  to  the  applicant  for  baptism  declaring  his  agree- 
ment with  the  church  in  regard  to  the  principles  of  non- 
resistance,  non-swearing,  and  non-conformity  to  the  world, 
whether  this  should  be  done  in  the  presence  of  the  whole 
congregation,  or  of  the  church  only,  we  wish  a  decisive 
answer,  and  not  only  a  reference  to  the  minutes  of  1848 
and  1858,  as  we  have  referred  to  these,  but  still  get  into 
difficulty.  Answer :  We  think  it  should  be  done  in  the 
presence  of  the  church  only. 

Art.  13.  As  the  Annual  Meeting  has  recommended  the 
holding  of  district  meetings,  we  wish  to  know  from  it 
whether  it  would  be  advisable  to  make  a  record  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  such  district  meetings  ?  Answer :  We  would 
advise  to  keep  no  record  of  proceedings  but  what  is  to  be 
submitted  to  the  Annual  Meeting. 

Art  1-4.  Does  the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
1862,  Article  58,  prohibit  us  from  taking  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  our  district  meetings,  for  our  own  ben- 
efit?    Answer:  Yes,  we  consider  that  it  does. 

Art.  15.  How  are  we  to  hold  a  brother  that  keeps  Sat- 
urday for  the  Sabbath,  works  on  Sunday,  and  strongly 
contends  that  he  is  right?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as  the  old 
brethren  have  always  observed  the  first  day  of  the  week  as 
a  day  of  rest  and  public  worship,  we  think  such  a  brother 
should  be  heartily  admonished  to  conform  to  the  order  of 
the  brethren  and  the  gospel,  and  if  he  does  not  do  so,  he 
should  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  gospel. 


282  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  16.  Is  it  right,  and  according  to  the  gospel,  for  a 
brother  to  invest  money  in  government  bonds?  Answer: 
We  consider  it  not  wrong  to  do  so. 

Art.  17.  Is  it  wrong  to  baptize  or  immerse  sick  persons 
in  a  house  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  it  is  not  advisable  to 
do  so  whenever  it  is  possible  to  avoid  it. 

Art.  18.  In  case  a  brother  commits  a  trespass  openly  be- 
fore the  world,  should  not  such  one  make  his  acknowl- 
edgments openly  before  the  world  also?  Answer:  No,  he 
should  not. 

Art.  19.  Inasmuch  as  all  that  our  Annual  Meeting  has 
hitherto  done  to  suppress  the  excessive  or  intemperate  use 
of  tobacco,  in  smoking  and  chewing,  has  virtually  proved 
a  failure,  could  not  this  meetiug  adopt  some  method  by 
which  the  excessive  use  of  this  growing  evil  could  be  sup- 
pressed in  our  brotherhood  ?  Answer :  As  the  use  of  to- 
bacco is  offensive  to  some  brethren  and  sisters,  and  the 
excessive  use  of  it  an  evil,  we  advise  and  counsel  brethren 
not  to  use  it  in  time  of  worship,  so  as  to  be  either  filthy  or 
offensive  to  others,  and  we  think  our  ministering  brethren 
rhould  admonish  their  members  not  to  indulge  in  the  ex- 
cessive use  of  it  in  any  way,  because  it  is  wrong  to  do  so. 

Art.  20.  Is  it  in  harmony  with  gospel  principles,  and 
with  the  practice  of  the  church,  for  the  housekeepers  of  one 
church  district  to  reject  the  counsel  or  aid  of  members  from 
neighboring  districts,  that  have  come  to  council  or  church 
meeting,  as  it  is  customary  for  brethren  to  do,  and  even  tell 
them  that  they  were  not  needed,  so  as  to  sway  their  coun- 
cil? And  if  it  be  not  proper,  what  shall  be  done  with 
brethren  pursuing  such  a  course  ?  Answer :  We  consider 
it  improper  for  the  members  of  one  congregation  to  go, 
without  being  invited  by  another  church,  and  take  part  in 
their  deliberations,  and  it  is  proper  to  inform  them  that 
their  aid  can  be  dispensed  with,  if  it  is  not  wanted. 

Art.  21.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  person,  who,  after 
being  dismissed  from  the  church,  rails  against  the  brethren, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        283 

and  speaks  evil  of  them?  Answer:  We  think  he  should 
be  dealt  with  according  to  I.  Cor.  v.  11:  "2sTot  to  keep 
company  with  such  a  one;  no,  not  to  eat." 

Art.  21.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  go  to  an  election, 
and  there  elect,  or  help  to  elect,  a  brother  '(who  takes  no 
part  in  elections)  to  fill  an  office  in  which  he  must  either 
serve  or  pay  his  fine?  Answer:  We  consider  it  utterly 
wrong  for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  23.  Does  this  Annual  Meeting  consider  civil  gov- 
ernment of  divine  authority,  or  a  mere  association  for  mu- 
tual well  being  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  that  it  is  of  divine 
authority,  from  the  testimony  of  the  Apostle  Paul.  (See 
Rom.  xiii.  1-8.) 

Art.  24.  Does  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  allow 
brethren  to  act  as  executors  or  administrators,  especially 
brethren  in  office  or  in  the  ministry  ?  Answer  :  We  think 
the  gospel  does  not  forbid  brethren  to  act  as  executors  or 
administrators. 

Art.  25.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel,  and  the  or- 
der of  the  brethren,  for  the  church  to  receive  and  take  can- 
didates in  with  (or  by)  hand  and  kiss  previous  to  the  read- 
ing of  Matt,  xviii.,  and  then  baptize  them  upon  their  pub- 
lic confession?  Answer:  We  think  it  is  neither  in  accord- 
ance with  the  gospel  nor  the  order  of  the  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  26.  Is  it  inconsistent  with  the  gospel  for  the  bread 
and  wine  to  be  on  the  table  with  the  supper,  if  a  mojority 
of  any  branch  of  the  church  thinks  it  well  to  have  it  so? 
We  think,  in  case  of  any  change  being  desired  in  the  estab- 
lished order  in  any  branch  of  the  church,  especially  with 
regard  to  the  communion,  it  would  always  be  best  and 
safest,  for  the  preservation  of  love  and  union,  to  take  no 
steps  in  any  change  of  this  kind  until  the  whole  church  is 
united,  and  neighboring  churches  or  the  district  meeting 
consulted. 

Art.  27.  Is  it  right  for  members  of  our  church  to  meet 
members  of  other  denominations,  with  hand  and  kiss,  the 


284  MINUTES    OF 

same  as  we  meet  our  own  members  ?  Answer  :  We  think 
it  not  right  to  salute  them  as  members. 

Art.  28.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  order  of 
the  brethren,  to  receive  and  baptize  into  the  church  such 
as  are  in  the  military  service,  bearing  arms  in  this  war,  or 
to  go  into  the  camps  and  baptize  such,  and  let  them  remain 
in  the  service,  or  should  they  not  first  get  a  full  discharge 
before  they  can  be  received  into  the  church  by  baptism  ? 
Answer:  AVe  can  not  encourage  such  proceedings;  but  in 
case  of  extreme  sickness,  and  when  there  is  a  promise  to 
shed  no  more  blood,  we  will  let  the  churches  applied  to  de- 
cide what  shall  be  done ;  but  let  the  principles  of  the 
church  be  acceded  to  by  all  candidates. 

Art.  29.  A  brother  being  legally  elected  to  the  ministry 
a  year  ago,  and  refuses  to  be  installed,  and  seldom  attends 
church  ;  what  shall  be  done  in  such  a  case  ?  Answer  :  The 
brother  should  be  admonished,  and  encouraged  to  attend 
meetings  and  accept  of  his  office,  and  the  brethren  should 
try  and  bear  with  him  as  long  as  the  wants  of  the  church 
will  permit ;  but  if  he  will  not  serve,  and  the  church  needs 
laborers,  then  it  should  elect  others. 

Art.  30.  A  minister  in  the  first  degree  moves  into  another 
district,  and  while  absent  from  the  first,  is  advanced  to  the 
second  degree  in  the  district  into  which  he  moved.  During 
this  time  another  brother  was  chosen  to  the  ministry  in  the 
first  district,  and  advanced  to  the  second  degree,  his  elec- 
tion having  taken  place  after  the  first-named  speaker's  ad- 
vancement. Now,  the  first-named  speaker  moves  back  into 
the  first  district,  after  an  absence  of  ten  years,  with  a  cer- 
tificate certifying  his  good  standing  in  the  church  in  which 
he  had  been  living.  Now,  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the 
order  of  the  brethren,  which  of  the  two  is  next  to  the  elder 
or  bishop?  or  does  the  first  brother  forfeit  his  standing  by 
moving  away  from  the  flock  ?  Answer  :  The  brother  long- 
est in  the  ministry,  if  a  worthy  minister,  is  next  to  the 
elaer. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         285- 

Art.  31.  Since  the  Yearly  Meeting  favors  district  meet- 
ings for  the  purpose  of  adjusting  local  difficulties,  and  to 
lessen  the  labor  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  would  it  not  be  ad- 
visable to  form  regular  districts  in  each  state,  and  close 
them  with  lines,  that  individual  churches  may  know  to 
what  district  they  belong?  And,  if  so,  should  not  this 
Yearly  Meeting  appoint  brethren  in  each  state  to  form  such 
districts  in  their  respective  states,  and  close  them  by  mak- 
ing such  lines  ?  Answer  :  Yes  ;  but  we  will  leave  the  dis- 
tricting of  the  states  to  the  churches  in  the  respective  states. 

Art.  32.  What  authority  have  we  in  the  New  Testament 
for  three  orders  or  grades  in  the  ministry?  And  if  there 
be  not  three  grades,  how  many  are  set  forth  in  the  word  of 
Christ  and  the  apostles  ?  Answer  :  We  defer  this  question 
to  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  recommending  the  brethren 
to  examine  the  scripture  upon  the  subject 

Art.  33.  Will  this  Annual  Meeting  adopt  some  form  or 
order  for  forwarding  ministers  from  one  degree  to  another, 
as  it  has  been  differently  performed  heretofore?  Answer: 
The  order  of  the  brethren,  as  already  given  by  the  Annual 
Meeting,  is  to  forward  brethren  by  the  hand  and  kiss. 

Art.  34.  How  is  it  considered  by  the  Annual  Meeting,  if 
a  brother  or  sister  present  a  certificate  of  membership 
where  they  wish  to  reside,  and  after  awhile  demand  it 
again,  and  receive  it;  do  they  thereby  withdraw  their  mem- 
bership from  said  district  of  the  church?  Answer:  We 
think  they  can  not  withdraw  their  membership  legally  by 
so  doing,  and  that  certificates  should  not  be  given  up  under 
such  circumstances. 

Art.  35.  As  our  national  troubles,  consequent  upon  the 
rebellion  now  existing  in  our  country,  have  caused  consid- 
erable difficulty  in  our  church,  and  have  tried  our  non-re- 
sistant principles,  and  have  caused  several  questions  con- 
cerning the  paying  of  bounty-money,  voting,  etc.,  to  come 
before  this  council-meeting,  what  counsel  will  this  Annual 
Meeting  give  upon  these  subjects?     Answer:  We  exhort 


286  MINUTES    OF 

the  brethren  to  steadfastness  in  the  faith,  and  believe  that 
the  times  in  which  our  lots  are  cast  strongly  demand 'of  us 
a  strict  adherence  to  all  our  principles,  and  especially  to 
our  non-resistant  principle,  a  principle  dear  to  every  sub- 
ject of  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and  a  prominent  doctrine  of 
our'  fraternity,  and  to  endure  whatever  sufferings  and  to 
make^whatever  sacrifice  the  maintaining  of  the  principle 
may  require,  and  not  to  encourage  in  any  way  the  practice  of 
war.  And  we  think  it  more  in  accordance  with  our  prin- 
ciples, that  instead  of  paying  bounty-money,  and  especially 
in  taking  an  active  part  in  raising  bounty-money,  to  await 
the  demands  of  the  government,  whether  general,  state,  or 
local,  and  pay  the  fines  and  taxes  required  of  us,  as  the 
gospel  permits,  and,  indeed,  requires.  Matt.  xxn.  21 ;  Rom. 
xin.  7.  And  lest  the  position  we  have  taken  upon  political 
matters  in  general,  and  war  matters  in  particular,  should 
seem  to  make  us,  as  a  body,  appear  to  be  indifferent  to  our 
government,  or  in  opposition  thereto,  in  its  efforts  to  sup- 
press the  rebellion,  we  hereby  declare  that  it  has  our  sym- 
pathies and  our  prayers,  and  that  it  shall  have  our  aid  in 
any  way  which  does  not  conflict  with  the  principles  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ.  But  since,  in  our  Christian  profession, 
we  regard  these  gospel  principles  as  superior  or  paramount 
to  all  others,  consistency  requires  that  we  so  regard  them 
in  our  practices. 

Art.  36.  It  having  been  agreed  upon,  at  a  former  time, 
that  our  Yearly  Meetings  should  be  held  alternately  in  the 
east  and  west,  the  Allegheny  Mountains  being  considered 
the  dividing  line,  it  is  requested  that  this  meeting  change 
that  line  to  the  Ohio  River.     This  request  was  granted. 

Art.  37.  Would  it  not  be  good  to  make  some  change  in 
holding  our  Yearly  Meetings,  for  the  purpose  of  prevent- 
ing so  great  a  multitude  of  people  from  being  present? 
And  would  it  not,  also,  be  better  to  have  the  conference 
more  private,  and  not  to  name  on  the  minutes  who  were 
chosen  on  the  standing  committee,  or  who  was  clerk,  etc.? 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  L8  i 

Answer  :  "We  think  it  not  expedient  to  make  any  change 
at  this  time. 

Art.  38.  Requests  for  committees:  1.  A  request  from 
the  church  of  Appanoose,  Iowa,  for  a  committee  to  visit  it 
to  settle  difficulties  existing  therein.  The  request  was 
granted,  and  the  following  brethren  appointed :  David 
Brower,  Jacob  Brower,  John  Murray,  and  Jacob  Waters. 
2.  A  request  from  the  Paint  Creek  Church,  Ross  County, 
Ohio,  for  a  committee.  Referred  to  the  elders  present  April 
28th  last,and  to  the  church  at  Bear  Creek,  to  do  as  they 
may  see  fit. 

Art.  39.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting  :  1.  Request 
from  the  Antietam  Church,  Franklin  County,  Pennsylvania, 
for  the  meeting  in  1865,  which  was  granted.  2.  A  request 
from  northern  Illinois,  for  the  meeting  in  I860.  This  re- 
quest was  accompanied  by  a  request  to  have  the  meeting 
two  weeks  later  than  the  ordinary  time  of  holding  it,  be- 
cause of  the  latitude  of  that  locality,  and  it  was  concluded 
that  if  the  meeting  is  held  in  northern  Illinois,  the  request 
of  the  brethren  there,  as  regards  the  time,  should  be 
granted,  it  being  understood  that  the  change  of  time  is  only 
for  that  special  occasion.  3.  A  request  from  the  Pipe 
Creek  Church,  Carroll  County,  Maryland,  for  the  meeting 
in  1867.  The  request  from  the  Antietam  Church  being 
granted,  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1865  will,  the  Lord  will- 
iug,  be  held  with  that  church. 

The  following  information  is  given  for  the  satisfaction  of 
brethren  wishing  to  attend  the  meeting  :  Those  going  from 
the  west,  via  Pittsburg,  on  the  Pennsylvania  Central  Rail- 
road, will  take  the  Cumberland  Valley  Railroad  at  Harris- 
burg,  and  stop  at  Greencastle.  Those  going  by  the  Balti- 
more and  Ohio  Railroad,  will  stop  at  Martinsburg,  Vir- 
ginia, and  then  take  stage  to  Hageratown,  Maryland. 
They  will  then  take  the  Cumberland  Valley  Railroad  to 
Greencastle.  The  distance  from  Greencastle  to  the  meet- 
ing, and  the  names  of  the  brethren  with  whom  corres- 


2S8 


MINUTES    OF 


pondence  can  be  held,  will  be  given  hereafter  in  the  "  Vis- 
itor," as  soon  as  ascertained. 

Art.  40.  Resolved,  that  this  meeting  returns  its  thanks 
to  such  railroad  companies  as  have  granted  the  favor  of  ex- 
cursion tickets  for  their  kindness. 

The  meeting  closed  Wednesday  noon,  after  the  proceed- 
ings, and  all  who  were  present,  were  commended  to  God 
by  prayer.  Much  Christian  love  was  manifested  among 
the  brethren,  and  it  is  hoped  the  labors  of  the  meeting  will 
be  acceptable  and  profitable  to  the  church. 

Standing  committee,  etc. :  John  Kline,  John  Wine,  Vir- 
ginia; Daniel  P.  Sayler,  Maryland  ;  Leonard  Furry,  David 
Gerlach,  Pennsylvania ;  Henry  Davy,  James  Quinter,  Ohio  ; 
David  Miller,  John  Bowman,  Daniel  Bowman,  Indiana; 
Christian  Long,  Sam.  Gerber,  Illinois  ;  Jacob  Brower,  Iowa ; 
John  Bower,  Kansas. 


ANXUAL  MEETING  OF  I860. 

As  usual,  a  very  large  number  of  persons  assembled  at 
the  place  of  meeting  on  Saturday,  when  the  religious  serv- 
ices commenced,  and  they  were  continued  until  Monday 
afternoon.  There  were  represented  in  the  council  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  churches,  by  one  hundred  and  eighty-two- 
delegates. 

The  meeting  was  organized  on  Monday  morning,  after 
which  the  delegates  from  the  churches  presented  themselves 
and  handed  in  their  papers.  As  the  amount  of  business 
before  the  meeting  was  considerable,  it  was  thought  advis- 
able to  form  sixteen  sub-committees.  After  the  devotional 
exercises  on  Tuesday  morning,  these  committees  commenced 
reporting,  and  the  General  Council,  in  the  fear  of  God,  en- 
tered upon  its  labors.  The  following  questions  were  before- 
the  council  and  answered  as  herein  stated  : 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  289 

Article  1.  Could  not  this  Annual  Meeting'  make  some 
change  in  the  manner  of  holding  our  Annual  Meetings, 
which  would  be  advisable  and  acceptable  to  the  brother- 
hood? Answer:  This  meeting  feels  the  importance  of  a 
change,  but,  not  to  make  any  change  too  hastily,  it  ap- 
points the  followiug  committee  to  take  this  matter  into 
consideration  to  propose  the  result  of  their  wisdom  and 
labor  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  for  its  acceptance  or  re- 
jection :  D.  P.  Sayler,  Philip  Boyle,  Benjamin  Mumaw, 
Andrew  Derrick,  J.  H.  Umstad,  John  Wise,  H.  D.  Davy, 
John  Hershey,  Jacob  Miller,  Hiel  Hamilton,  Christian  Long, 
John  Metzger,  David  Brower,  and  Frederick  Loehr. 

Art.  2.  Which  would  be  nearest  to  the  gospel,  and  the 
order  of  the  church,  when  a  committee  is  chosen  to  settle 
a  difficulty,  to  make  known  the  accusation  to  the  accused 
and  to  the  church  before  the  committee  withdraws,  or  to 
withhold  it  from  him  and  a  part  of  the  church  till  the  com- 
mittee has  heard  the  witnesses  and  made  their  decision  and 
report?  Answer:  The  accusation  should  be  made  known 
to  the  church  and  the  accused,  and  the  accusers  and  the 
accused  should  be  face  to  face,  that  the  latter  may  have 
liberty  to  answer  for  himself,  according  to  Acts  xxv.  16. 

Art.  3.  The  apostle  James  says,  "  Is  any  sick  among 
you  ?  let  him  call  for  the  elders  of  the  church,''*  etc.  Xow, 
inasmuch  as  the  apostle  eayselders,  and  not  ministers,  in  the 
first  and  second  degree,  would  it  not  be  more  consistent 
with  the  gospel  to  send  for  ordained  elders  in  all  cases  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing of  1850  and  1862  upon  this  subject  satisfactory  and 
correct.  (The  following  is  taken  from  the  minutes  of  those 
years  :  Who  are  the  proper  persons  in  the  church  to  admin- 
ister the  ordinance  recorded  in  James  v.  14?  Considered, 
the  bishops  or  ordained  elders.  Article  30, 1850:  Is  there 
any  second  order  of  persons  in  the  church  who  may  ad- 
minister the  above  ordinance  in  cases  of  great  and  press- 
ing necessit}*,  when  the  proper  administrators  can  not  be 
19 


290  MINUTES    OF 

had  in  time  for  the  urgency  of  the  case?  Considered,  in 
such  case  brethren  in  less  office,  if  at  least  one  of  them  is 
authorized  to  baptize,  might  serve.  Article  31, 1850  :  Who 
are  the  elders  spoken  of  by  James,  that  are  to  be  sent  to 
anoint  the  sick  in  the  name  of  the  Lord?  Answer:  The 
ordained  elders,  if  they  cau  be  obtained,  if  not,  the  next 
in  office.     Article  54,  1862.) 

Art.  4.  How  is  it  considered  when  elders  in  different 
churches  teach  that  it  is  not  necessary  to  send  for  elders  to 
anoint  the  sick,  but  that  brethren  in  the  first  and  second 
degree  can  do  it  as  well  as  elders  ?  Answer :  We  do  not 
consider  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  elders  so  to  teach. 

Art.  5.  Have  committees,  appointed  to  investigate  diffi- 
culties in  churches  other  than  the  church  in  which  they 
hold  their  membership,  the  power  to  disown  members  in 
the  absence  of  the  church  council,  or  without  consultation 
with  the  elders  of  the  church  in  which  the  difficulty  exists  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  that  they  have  no  such  power. 

Art.  6.  Has  any  church  a  right,  according  to  the  order 
of  the  brethren,  to  send  a  letter  to  the  standing  committee 
of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  demanding  of  them  that  a  certain 
brother  should  have  no  right  to  assist  the  brethren  in  select- 
ing committees  that  may  be  called  for  ?  Answer :  We  con- 
sider that  no  church  has  any  right  to  make  such  a  demand. 

Art.  7.  Whereas,  the  brethren  at  our  last  Annual  Meet- 
ing decided  that  "  Civil  Government  is  of  divine  authority" 
(minutes  of  Annual  Meeting,  Article  23, 1864);  and,  whereas, 
all  civil  governments  are,  and  always  have  been,  sustained 
by  the  sword ;  we  therefore  wish  to  know  if  it  is  right  for 
brethren  to  bear  arms,  when  called  upon  to  do  so  by  the 
authorities,  in  order  to  sustain  the  civil  government?  An- 
swer :  We  consider  that  we  have  no  right  to  take  up  arms. 

Art.  8.  How  is  it  viewed  for  a  brother  or  for  brethren 
to  write  against  the  ancient  order  and  customs  of  the 
church,  and  have  their  manuscripts  or  writings  printed, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        291 

and  thus  distributed  in  and  out  of  the  church?  Answer: 
We  think  it  is  not  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  9.  Whereas,  the  brethren  have  heretofore  advised 
against  publishing  the  proceedings  of  the  Annual  Meeting 
in  the  "  Gospel  Visitor,"  will  they  still  disapprove  of  pub- 
lishing them  in  our  papers  ?  Answer :  We  think  the  min- 
utes of  our  Annual  Meeting  had  better  be  kept  separate 
from  our  public  papers. 

Art.  10.  Since  the  counsel  of  the  brethren,  assembled  at 
our  Annual  Meetings  for  the  last  two  year3,  is,  that  breth- 
ren should  have  nothing  to  do  with  politics,  and  to  entirely 
abstain  from  voting,  how  should  we  deal  with  such  breth- 
ren as  will  not  hear  said  counsel?  Answer:  We  advise 
that  such  brethren  be  admonished  in  love,  again  and  again, 
to  be  subject  to  the  counsel  of  the  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  11.  A  church  needs  a  meeting-house,  and  by  a 
unanimous  counsel  of  all  present,  agrees  to  build  one  by 
taxation,  each  one  paying  in  proportion  to  his  true  valua- 
tion ;  is  it  then  consistent  to  make  a  non-compliance  with 
said  counsel  a  test  of  fellowship  ?  Answer  :  We  consider 
that  all  those  who  fail  to  comply  with  the  counsel,  would 
fall  into  the  judgment  of  the  church,  but  we  recommend 
in  such  cases  that  disinterested  brethren  from  some  other 
church  or  churches  be  called  to  the  council. 

Art.  12.  In  case  a  member  commits  a  trespass,  and  the 
church  views  it  as  such,  but  the  said  member  can  not  see 
it  as  such,  but  says,  "wherein  I  have  done  wrong  I  want 
you  to  forgive  me."  Now,  shall  such  an  acknowledgement 
be  considered  sufficient,  or  shall  the  offending  member  be 
required  to  acknowledge  to  the  wrong  that  he  has  done? 
Answer  :  We  consider  that  the  church  must  judge  of  the 
sufficiency  of  the  acknowledgement  of  an  offending  mem- 
ber. 

Art.  13.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel  and  our  pro- 
fession, for  brethren  to  buy  county  bonds,  beariug  six  per 
cent  interest,  and  shave  them  twelve  and  a  half  per  cent  ? 


292  MINUTES    OF 

Answer  :  We  think  it  most  consistent  with  our  profession 
not  to  deal  in  such  stock.  (The  five  articles  which  follow 
next  in  order  came  from  a  district  meeting  in  Virginia,  and 
were  presented  to  this  meeting  for  confirmation^ 

Art.  14.  Is  it  the  duty  of  the  church,  in  all  cases,  how- 
ever aggravated,  to  reclaim  an  offending  member  upon  an 
acknowledgment,  or  should  he  be  expelled,  in  extreme 
cases,  even  though  he  should  make  acknowledgments? 
Answer:  We  consider  that,  in  extreme  cases,  such  as  men- 
tioned by  the  apostle  in  I.  Cor.  v.,  the  offending  members 
should  be  expelled  and  put  away  from  the  church  until 
they  give  evidence  of  true  humility  and  contrition. 

Art.  15.  Can  a  brother  be  held  as  a  member  of  the  church 
who  will,  when  put  into  the  army,  take  up  arms  and  aim 
to  shed  the  blood  of  his  fellow-man  ?     Answer :  He  can  not. 

Art.  16.  As  some  brethren  are  of  the  opinion  that  the 
communion  should  be  observed  more  frequently,  say  three 
or  more  times  in  a  year,  what  is  the  counsel  of  this  meet- 
ing'in  regard  to  it  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  should  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  discretion  of  each  arm  of  the  church  to  have 
as  many  as  two  or  three  in  a  year,  but  we  exhort  brethren 
in  this,  as  in  all  other  cases,  to  guard  against  extremes. 

Art.  17.  What  is  the  decision  of  this  meeting  in  case 
brethren  (especially  official  brethren)  exercise  a  private  in- 
fiuence  in  the  election  of  members  to  office  in  the  church  ? 
If  wrong,  what  is  the  extent  of  the  offense,  and  how  can 
it  be  remedied  ?  Answer  :  We  think  such  brethren  should 
be  admonished,  and  earnestly  entreated  to  desist  from  such 
a  course ;  and,  if  that  will  not  control  him,  a  committee 
should  be  appointed  to  inform  him  that  if  his  course  is  per- 
sisted in  he  will  fall  into  the  judgment  of  the  church.  The 
committee  should  be  called  from  another  church. 

Art.  18.  What  is  the  decision  of  the  council  in  the  case 
of  an  elder  who  refuses  to  fill  the  duties  of  his  office  ? 
Answer :  (As  the  answer  to  this  question  is  precisely  the 
same,  word  for  word,  with  the  answer  to  the  last  article,  we 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        293 

presume  this  statement  and  a  reference  to  that  answer  are 
sufficient.) 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  brother  who  is  drafted 
hires  a  substitute  to  perform  military  service,  and  after- 
ward removes  into  another  district — shall  the  church  grant 
him  a  certificate  of  membership?  Answer:  Since  the  law 
has  exempted  brethren  from  military  duty,  by  paying  a  tax 
in  lieu  of  service,  we  consider  that  brethren  do  wrong  to 
resort  to  other  means,  unless  they  are  ignorant  of  the  pro- 
visions of  the  law. 

Art.  20.  Is  it  according  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  to  re- 
ceive expelled  penitent  members,  as  directed  by  the  Annual 
Meeting  ot  1840,  Article  13,  which  reads  thus:  "It  was, 
and  is,  the  mode  of  the  brethren  for  the  members  to  remain 
in  their  places,  and  the  members  to  be  received  again,  to 
go  from  one  to  another,  and  thus  to  be  received,"  etc.  An- 
swer :  We  think  there  is  no  necessity  for  a  change  in  the 
manner  of  receiving  fallen  members. 

Art.  21.  Is  it  according  to  the  order  of  the  brethren,  and 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  for  the  brethren  to  order  and  obey 
those  proclamations  made  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  and  the  governors  of  the  states,  recommending  the 
observance  of  certain  days,  such  as  Thanksgiving  days? 
Answer:  Yes,  if  such  proclamations  do  not  conflict  with 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel. 

Art.  22.  As  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting  are  not 
obeyed  by  all  the  overseers  of  the  church,  would  it  not  be 
better  to  district  the  churches,  and  extend  to  those  the 
power  to  return  to  the  standing  committee  all  those  who 
fail  to  carry  out  the  advice  of  the  Annual  Council?  Au- 
<wpr:  Yes. 

Art.  23.  When  a  member  is  expelled,  according  to  Matt. 
xviii.,  and  does  not  ask  for  a  rehearing,  or  a  committee  at 
the  time  he  refuses  to  hear  the  church,  how  long  is  it 
thought  advisable  to  allow  the  right  to  a  rehearing,  or  is  a 
church  in  duty  bound  to  grant  it  at  any  time?     Answer: 


294  MINUTES    OF 

We  consider  it  best  not  to  limit  the  time  in  which  a  re- 
hearing may  be  obtained,  but  an  expelled  member,  wishing 
a  rehearing,  should  apply  for  one  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Art.  24.  How  will  the  brethren,  assembled  in  Annual 
Council,  consider  the  case  where  elders  and  ministers  have 
taken  sides  with  the  rebels  in  this  bloody  rebellion,  and 
voted  for  separation  ;  can  they  be  held  as  divine  teachers, 
or  not?     Answer:  They  can  not,  according  to  the -gospel. 

Art.  25.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  to  retain  mem- 
bers in  the  church  who  have  voluntarily  aided  and  abetted 
in  the  rebellion  by  voting  for  separation,  or  by  otherwise 
encouraging  it  ?  Answer:  Xo  ;  such  should  be  put  away 
from  among  us. 

Art.  26.  Is  it  right  for  ministering  brethren,  or  for  pri- 
vate members,  to  speak  evil  of  the  rulers  of  our  land  in 
public,  and  pray  that  God  would  open  their  eyes  and  change 
their  wicked  hearts?  And,  if  it  is  not  right,  what  is  to  be 
done  with  those  who  do  so  ?  Anwver  :  AVe  consider  it 
wrong  to  do  so  (Acts  xxni.  5),  and  that  brethren  that  have 
done  so  should  make  an  acknowledgment  for  it  and  prom- 
ise to  do  so  no  more. 

Art.  27.  what  portion  of  God's  word  furnishes  us  with 
authority,  either  by  commandment,  precedent,  or  example, 
for  funeral  preaching,  and  especially  after  the  interment 
has  been  done  for  months  and  even  years  ?  Answer:  We 
have  positive  scriptural  authority  to  preach  the  word  at  all 
times  and  on  all  occasions  when  called  on.  (See  II.  Tim. 
iv.  2.) 

Art.  28.  Has  any  brother  a  right  to  preach  that  is  not 
elected  by  the  voice  of  the  church  ?  Answer :  We  think 
not,  according  to  the  apostolic  practice  and  teaching.  (See 
Acts  i.  26;  vi.  3;  II.  Tim.  II.  2.) 

Art.  29.  Has  any  brother  a  right  to  call  on  a  brother  to 
preach  in  public,  who  is  not  yet  elected  to  preach  ?  An- 
swer: We  think  not,  for  it  is  contrary  to  the  gospel,  and 
it  causes  offense  and  confusion  in  the  church. 


ON  UAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  295 

Art.  30.  If  a  brother  remove  from  one  arm  of  the  church 
to  another,  and  can  not  obtain  a  certificate  of  membership 
from  the  former  church,  can  the  church  into  which  he 
moved,  understanding  the  difficulty  with  the  former  church, 
be  the  judge-in  the  matter?  Answer:  We  think  not. 
The  church  from  which  the  member  moved  should  give 
the  certificate 

Art.  31.  Is  it  right  for  any  of  our  ministering  brethren 
to  entertain  pro-slavery  principles,  and  preach  them  pub- 
licly and  privately  ?  Answer  :  It  is  considered  not  right, 
according  to  Luke  vi.  31,  and  if  any  brother  should  persist 
in  doing  so,  he  should  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt.  xvin. 

Art.  32.  How  does  this  meeting  consider  that  part  of  I. 
Cor.  v.,  which  treats  on  "  avoidance,"  as  practiced  by  some 
of  our  churches  ?     Heferred  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  33.  Will  this  Annual  Meeting  reconsider  Art.  5, 
of  the  minutes  of  1864?  Answer:  ]S"o.  The  following:  is 
the  query  referred  to,  with  the  answer:  "Is  it  in  accord- 
ance with  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  donate  money  toward 
building  meeting-houses  of  other  denominations?  Find- 
ing no  gospel  upon  the  subject  alluded  to  in  fche  query,  we 
leave  it  to  every  one's  conscience  to  direct  in  the  case." 

Art.  34.  Does  the  Annual  Council  make  laws,  or  give 
advice  only,  in  cases  where  it  has  no  direct  gospel  on  the 
subject?     Answer:  It  gives  advice  only. 

Art.  35.  Would  it  not  be  advisable,  in  case  of  an  evil 
report  against  a  member,  to  take  the  evidence  of  persons 
without  the  church,  if  considered  by  the  church  as  persons 
of  truth,  to  test  the  matter,  if  such  evidence  be  carefully 
handled?  Answer:  Yes,  for  the  purpose  of  testing  the 
truth  of  the  report ;  but  an  action  or  condemnation  with- 
out an  acknowledgment  of  the  accused,  or  without  the  evi- 
dence of  members,  would  not  be  proper. 

Art.  36.  Does  this  Annual  Meeting  consider  the  decisions 
of  sectional  councils,  which  are  not  brought  to  the  Annual 
Meeting,  the  same  as  those  decided  by  the  Annual  Meeting ; 


296  MINUTES    OF 

and  it  they  do,  why  not  take  ruinutes  of  them,  so  that  sat- 
isfaction could  be  returned  to  their  brethren,  who  were  dis- 
satisfied, by  epistle  or  by  word  of  mouth,  as  the  apostles 
and  elders  did  at  Jerusalem,  in  the  first  council  ?  Answer: 
We  consider  that  all  district  councils  should  be  careful  rot 
to  undertake  to  pass  resolutions  or  decisions  concerning 
the  general  principles  or  practice  of  the  whole  fraternity, 
but  refer  them  rather  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  confine 
themselves  simply  to  the  settlement  of  local  matters. 

Art.  37.  Is  it  a  violation  of  the  gospel  to  feed  the  peo- 
ple on  communion  occasions  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  is 
not. 

Art.  38.  A  request  to  reconsider  Art.  23,  of  1864. 
Answer:  We  consider  the  answer  sufficient  as  it  is.  The 
following  is  the  query  referred  to,  with  the  answer  :  "Does 
this  Annual  Meeting  consider  civil  government  of  divine 
authority,  or  a  mere  association  for  mutual  well  being? 
Answer:  We  consider  that  it  is  of  divine  authority,  from 
the  testimony  of  the  Apostle  Paul.     (See  Rom.  xin.  1-8.") 

Art.  39.  A  request  to  reconsider  Art.  16,  of  the  min- 
utes of  1864.  Answer:  We  judge  it  best  to  make  no 
change  at  present  in  relation  to  the  question  alluded  to. 
The  following  is  the  query  referred  to,  with  the  answer: 
"Is  it  right,  and  according  to  the  gospel,  for  a  brother  to 
invest  money  in  government  bonds?  Answer:  We  con- 
sider it  not  wrong  to  do  so." 

Art.  40.  Is  it  contrary  to  the  gospel  to  raise  funds  by 
taxation  ?  Answer :  It  is  not  contrary  to  the  gospel  to  do 
so. 

Art.  41.  What  is  the  order  of  the  church  in  ordaining  a 
minister  by  laying  on  of  hands  ?  Answer  :  It  is  as  follows  : 
1.  A  request  is  deemed  necessary  to  be  made  by  the  church, 
and  approved  by  the  elders  present.  2.  Then  the  elders 
take  the  sense  of  each  member,  one  by  one,  to  know  whether 
they  are  satisfied  with  ordaining  the  brother  oldest  in  office. 
And  if  they  agree,  and  no  serious  objection  is  made,  the 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         297 

ordination  is  proceeded  with,  which  is  done  by  laying  on 
of  hands,  with  prayer,  and  then  the  members  receive  the 
brother  as  at  the  first  installation. 

Art.  42.  As  we  profess  to  be  a  plain  people,  is  it  right  for 
brethren  to  use  gilt-edged  hymn-books  and  Bibles,  when 
plain  ones  are  just  as  good,  and  more  becoming  our  pro- 
fession ;  and  should  the  brethren  be  allowed  to  make  and 
sell  such  ?  Answer  :  We  advise  the  brethren  to  be  careful 
in  such  matters. 

Art.  43.  A  church  being  in  council  assembled,  agree 
pretty  much  unanimously  no  more  to  countenance  voting 
at  political  elections,  according  to  counsel  of  the  Annual 
Meeting;  is  it  consistent,  then,  to  make  a  violation  of  the 
counsel  of  said  meeting  a  test  of  fellowship,  if  there  is  no 
disposition  on  the  part  of  those  who  violate  said  counsel  to 
make  an  acknowledgment  for  it?  We  want  a  more  defi- 
nite answer  than  heretofore  given.  Answer  :  Such  breth- 
ren should  be  admonished  again  and  again,  and  if  they  will 
not  adhere  to  the  counsel  of  the  church,  then  they  should 
be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt.  xvnr. 

Art.  44.  When  a  church  makes  a  choice  for  an  officer, 
or  for  officers,  and  the  bishop  and  ministers  in  the  church 
in  which  the  election  is  to  be  held,  vote,  when  is  the  proper 
time  for  them  to  vote,  at  the  beginning  or  at  the  close  of 
the  election?  Answer:  We  think  they  should,  by  all 
means,  vote  at  the  beginning,  if  they  vote  at  all,  and  that 
they  should  be  careful  to  observe  the  well-established  rules 
of  the  brethren  relative  to  such  occasions,  especially  in  call- 
ing elders  from  adjoining  churches  to  be  present  at  such 
times. 

Art.  45.  What  is  the  difference  (if  there  is  .any  differ- 
ence) for  brethren  to  have  their  property  insured,  or  to  have 
their  lives  insured,  as  it  appears  from  Art.  3,  of  the  minutes 
of  1864,  that  there  is  quite  a  difference?  Answer:  We 
think  there  is  quite  a  difference,  since  we  do  not  think  it 
right  to  put  a  money  value  upon  human  life,  while  we  may 
on  property. 


298  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  46.  Inasmuch  as  some  districts  have  taken  council 
to  entirely  abstain  from  voting  at  political  elections,  what 
does  the  Annual  Meeting  say  to  those  housekeepers  and 
districts  that  still  continue  to  vote,  and  cause  hard  feelings 
by  doing  so  ?  Answer :  We  admonish  such  housekeepers 
and  districts  to  submit  to  the  decisions  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1864,  query  1;  and  if  they  refuse  to  do  so,  they 
will  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  47.  How  are  the  churches  to  hold  and  proceed  with 
those  members,  who,  in  heart  and  soul,  have  been  in  sym- 
pathy with  the  rebellion,  denouncing  the  government,  and 
speaking  evil  of  our  rulers,  especially  of  President  Lincoln  ? 
As  many  members  are  unwilling  to  commune  with  such,  a 
scriptural  answer  is  required.  Answer  :  "We  consider  such 
brethren  as  transgressors  of  the  Word,  and  admonish  them 
to  make  satisfactory  acknowledgment  to  the  church  ;  and 
if  they  refuse  to  do  so,  they  should  be  dealt  with  accord- 
ing to  the  gospel.  (See  Acts  xxm.  5  ;  Rom.  xin. ;  II.  Peter 
II.  10;  Titus  in.  1.) 

Art.  48.  Is  it  considered  according  to  the  gospel,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  order  of  the  brethren,  for  absent  members 
to  send  their  votes  to  an  election  in  the  church  by  the  hands 
of  other  members?     Answer:  It  is  not. 

Art.  49.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  still  a  difference  of  opinion 
relative  to  brethren  having  lightning-rods  on  their  build- 
ings, we  wish  a  decisive  answer;  and  not  only  a  reference 
to  the  minutes  of  1851  and  1804,  as  we  have  referred  to 
them,  but  still  get  into  difficulty.  Likewise  the  same  sat- 
isfaction in  regard  to  having  our  property  insured  is  de- 
sired. Answer :  We  consider  it  would  not  be  advisable  to 
encourage  brethren  to  do  so,  but  think  we  should  bear  with 
brethren  who  have  already  done  so. 

Art.  50.  If  a  bishop  be  accused  with  a  fault  in  ruling  or 
keeping  house,  and  the  church  calls  a  committee  of  elders 
and  delivers  unto  them  the  charges,  and  the  committee, 
upon  deliberation,  suspends  him,  or  relieves  him  of  his 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         299 

office,  without  informing  him  (the  accused)  of  the  charges 
against  him,  and  giving  him  no  privilege  of  answering  to 
the  charges,  and  of  defending  himself,  are  the  proceedings 
of  the  church  and  committee  according  to  order  and  jus- 
tice ?     Answer :  No. 

Art.  51.  As  many  brethren  seem  to  so  far  disregard  the 
advice  of  the  Annual  Council  as  to  send  to  the  "Gospel 
Visitor"  and  "Christian  Companion"  articles  exposing, 
through  their  editors,  the  counsel  of  the  old  brethren,  will 
this  meeting  adopt  means  to  put  a  stop  to  these  things? 
Answer :  We  consider  it  wrong  to  do  so,  and  think  we 
should  not  disregard  the  counsel  and  decisions  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting ;  and  such  articles  as  oppose  the  order  of  the 
brethren  should  not  be  published,  and  if  the  brethren  still 
persist  in  doing  so,  they  should  be  dealt  with  as  offenders. 

Art.  52.  Where  is  the  gospel,  either  in  command,  precept, 
or  example,  that  justifies  the  idea  that  there  is  a  first,  a  sec- 
ond, and  a  third  degree  in  the  ministry?  Answer:  We 
have  plain  scripture  to  teach  a  grade  of  officers  in  the 
church.  (See  Eph.  iv.  11) :  "  He  gave  some,  apostles ; 
some,  prophets  ;  some,  evangelists ;  and  some  pastors  and 
teachers." 

Art.  53.  If  there  is  a  council-meeting  appointed  in  one 
arm  of  the  church,  has  the  elder  of  that  district  a  right  to 
invite  another  elder  of  another  arm  or  district  to  come  and 
assist  him  in  his  church,  or  must  the  elder  of  the  church, 
in  all  such  cases,  first  ask  the  congregation  before  he  in- 
vites another  elder  to  help  him  ?  Answer  :  We  think  it  is 
advisable  for  the  elder  to  consult  the  church,  or  at  least  his 
co-laborers. 

Art.  54.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  a  difference  of  opinion, 
and  some  aggrievance,  in  regard  to  bells  on  church  houses, 
we  wish  the  Annual  Meeting  to  decide  the  matter.  An- 
swer :  Decided  not  to  have  them. 

Art.  55.  Can  the  brethren,  assembled  in  our  annual  dis- 
trict church  meetings,  pass  decisions  contrary  to  the  decis- 


-300  MINUTES    OF 

ions  of  our  Annual  Conference,  and  compel  the  brethren 
to  practice  the  same  ?     No. 

Art.  56.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  a  difference  in  the  brother- 
hood in  holding  an  inquest  where  there  is  application  made 
for  baptism,  and  for  letters  of  recommendation,  some  doing 
it  before  the  whole  congregation,  and  others  doing  it  before 
the  church  only.  It  is  desired  that  in  this  all  the  churches 
practice  alike,  as  members  are  moving  from  one  state  to 
another,  and  such  difference  causes  hard  feelings  and 
trouble.  Answer:  We  consider  such  inquest  should  be 
held  before  the  church  only. 

Art.  57.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren  in  last  Yearly  Meet- 
ing advised  brethren  to  abstain  entirely  from  voting,  and 
when  one  church  receives  the  minutes,  they  are  read  to  the 
church,  and  the  members  are  admonished  not  to  go  to  the 
election,  and  the  elder  takes  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and 
there  is  a  united  voice  not  to  go,  but  there  are  a  few  breth- 
ren who  were  not  present  at  the  council-meeting,  and  the 
decision  of  the  church  is  sent  to  them,  and  they  are  ad- 
vised not  to  go  to  the  election ;  and  then  some  of  the 
brethren  go  to  the  election,  when  the  visiting  brethren  are 
sent  the  second  time  to  notify  them  not  to  go,  but  they  go 
again,  after  which  they  are  requested  to  come  to  the  coun- 
cil-meeting, but  do  not  come.  The  church  is  then  admon- 
ished to  bear  with  them,  and  they  are  admonished  again 
not  to  go.  If,  after  all  this,  they  still  will  go,  what  is  to  be 
done  with  such  brethren  ?  Answer  :  They  should  be  dealt 
with  according  to  Matt.  xvur. 

Whereas,  it  has  been  plainly  proved  to  the  brethren 
assembled  at  this  Annual  Meeting,  that  William  C.  Thur- 
man  did,  on  different  occasions,  say  things  publicly  in  his 
preaching  against  the  practice  of  the  brethren,  and  has 
done  the  same  in  his  writings,  and  by  the  course  he  has 
pursued  he  has  given  offense  to  the  brethren  ;  it  is,  there- 
fore, the  decision  of  this  meeting  that  we  can  not  recognize 
him  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  among  us  until  he  gives 
satisfaction  to  the  church. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         301 

Requests  for  committees:  1.  The  following  brethren 
constitute  the  committee  to  the  Beaver  Dam  Church,  Mary- 
land :  H.  D.  Davy,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  John  Wise,  and  Jos.  E. 
Hanawalt.  2.  For  Kansas:  Christian  Long  and  J.  Metz- 
ger.  3.  For  Jasper  County,  Iowa  :  Christian  Long,  Jacob 
Berkey,  John  Metzger,  and  J.  P.  Ebersole.  4.  For  Berlin, 
Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania:  H.  D.  Davy,  J.  P.  Eber- 
sole, and  John  Wise.  5.  For  the  Wabash  Church,  Indi- 
ana :  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  Daniel  B.  Sturgis,  Hiel 
Hamilton,  and  John  Bowman.  6.  For  Bourbon,  Indiana: 
Abraham  Whitmer,  Christian  Wenger,  David  Rupple,  and 
John  Nisely.  7.  For  Salamony  Church,  Indiana:  H.  D. 
Davy,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  and  John 
Metzger. 

Contributions  for  the  brethren  in  Virginia  and  Tennes- 
see :  Bro.  Wrightsman,  from  Tennessee,  and  Bro.  Mumaw, 
from  Virginia,  stated  to  the  meeting  that  the  brethren  in 
those  states  need  assistance,  and  that  they  must  suffer  un- 
less they  get  assistance  ;  whereupon  the  meeting  appointed 
D.  I*.  Sayler  as  a  receiver  to  receive  contributions  for  the 
relief  of  said  brethren.  The  meeting  likewise  directed  him 
to  appropriate  the  funds  now  in  his  hands,  collected  for  the 
Oregon  mission,  to  the  same  purpose.  Bro.  Sayler's  post- 
office  is  Double  Pipe  Creek,  Carroll  County,  Maryland.  If 
money  is  sent  by  express  to  him  it  should  be  sent  to  him 
in  care  of  the  agent  of  the  express  compauy,  Frederick  City, 
Maryland. 

Request  for  the  Annual  Meeting:  The  Pipe  Creek  Church, 
Maryland,  renews  its  request  for  the  Annual  Meeting  for 
1867". 

The  meeting  closed  on  Wednesday  afternoon  with  devo- 
tional exercises. 

Standing  committee,  etc.:  D.  P.  Sayler,  Maryland;  Jo- 
seph Arnold,  Virginia ;  Joseph  R.  Hanawalt  and  John 
Wise,  Pennsylvania;  Peter  Nead  and  H.  D.  Davy,  Ohio; 


302  MINUTES    OF 

Jacob  Miller  aud  Hiel  Hamilton,  Indiana  ;  Isoni  Gibson 
and  John  Metzger,  Illinois  ;  Frederick  P.  Loehr,  Michigan  ; 
David  Brower,  Iowa ;  John  Bower,  Kansas. 

James  Quinter,  Clerk. 
H.  1).  Davy,  Moderator. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1866. 

The  meeting  was  organized  on  Monday  morning,  after 
which  the  delegates  from  the  churches  reported  themselves, 
and  it  was  ascertained  that  one  hundred  and  sixty-five 
churches  were  represented  by  two  hundred  delegates.  JThe 
delegates  were  divided  into  fifteen  sub-committees,  and  to 
these  the  business  was  committed,  that  they  might  report  to 
the  General  Council.  The  General  Council  commenced 
business  on  Tuesday  morning,  after  devotional  exercises. 
The  deferred  business  of  last  Annual  Meeting  being  the  first 
•business  in  order  before  the  council,  the  committee  appointed 
at  that  meeting  to  devise  some  plan  for  holding  our  Annual 
Meetings,  which  will  be  more  satisfactory  to  the  brotherhood, 
was  called  upon  for  its  report  and  submitted  the  following : 

INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

The  authority  for  holding  general  conference  meetings 
is  founded  on  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apos- 
tles, and  a  strict  compliance  with  the  example  therein  is 
advisable.  By  reference  to  said  Scripture,  we  learn  that 
the  question  in  dispute,  and  upon  which  the  disciples  dif- 
fered, was  not  referred  to  a  General  Council  until  all  efforts 
had  failed  to  settle  it  in  the  church  in  which  it  originated. 
The  following  language  occurs  in  the  chapter  above  refer- 
red to  :  "When,  therefore,  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no  small 
dissension  and  disputation  with  them,  they  determined 
that  Faul  and  Barnabas,  and  certain  others  of  them,  should 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  303 

go  up  to  Jerusalem  uuto  the  apostle  and  elders  about  the 
question."  Here  seems  to  be  authority  to  send  questions 
upon  which  the  brethren  differ  in  their  judgments  to  a 
General  Council,  and  that  the  bishops  ought  to  go,  and 
also  to  have  certain  others  with  them.  It  is  further  said  : 
"And  being  brought  on  their  way  by  the  church,  they 
passed  through  Phenice  and  Samaria,  declaring  the  con- 
version of  the  gentiles  ;  and  they  caused  great  joy  unto  all 
the  brethren."'  Here  we  see  that  those  who  were  sent  were 
brought  on  their  way  by  the  church.  So  should  we  do  ; 
that  is,  help  such  to  go  that  we  send.  It  is  said  further 
that  "the  apostles  and  elders  came  together  to  consider  this 
matter."  Hence  we  see  that  the  Council  Meeting  should 
be  for  conference  only. 

THE    ANNUAL    MEETING. 

We  recommend  that  the  Annual  Council  be  formed  by 
the  delegates  sent  by  the  district  meetings,  and  by  all  the 
ordained  elders  present ;  that  the  meeting  be  held  at  the 
place  designated  by  the  council  the  preceding  year,  to  com- 
mence on  the.  first  Tuesday  after  Whit  Sunday,  the  previous 
Lord's-day  (Whit  Sunday)  to  be  spent  as  it  has  hitherto 
been  by  the  brethren  in  worship,  at  such  places  in  the 
vicinity  in  which  the  meeting  is  to  be  held  as  shall  be  de- 
sired, and  as  may  be  judged  most  profitable ;  that  there  be 
no  public  meeting  for  worship  (where  the'council-meeting 
is  held,  though  the  meeting  should  be  opened  with  devo- 
tional exercises,  and  the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chapter  of 
Acts,  and  likewise  closed  with  devotional  exercises ;  that 
the  meeting  still  be  held  alternately,  in  the  east  and  in  the 
west. 

THE    DISTRICT-MEETINGS. 

We  recommend  that  each  state  form  itself  into  conven- 
ient district-meetings.  These  meetings  shall  be  formed  by 
one  or  two  representatives  from  each  organized  church, 


304  -MINUTES    OF 

and  we  recommend  that  eacli  church  be  represented  in  the 
district  meeting,  either  by  representatives  or  by  letter. 
"We  think  it  best  to  hold  those  meetings  in  simplicity,  and 
as  much  like  the  common  council-meetings  are  held,  as 
possible.  A  record  of  the  district-meetings  may  be  kept, 
but  not  published.  They  should  endeavor  to  settle  all 
questions  of  a  local  character.  But  those  of  a  general 
character,  or  those  that  concern  the  brotherhood  in  gen- 
eral, should  be  taken  to  the  Annual  Meeting.  And  all 
questions  that  can  not  be  settled  at  the  district-meetings 
should  be  taken  to  the  Annual  Meeting.  In  taking  ques- 
tions from  the  district  to  the  Annual  Meetings,  they  should 
be  correctly  and  carefully  formed ;  and  all  queries  from 
district-meetings  should  be  accompanied  with  an  answer. 
But  in  case  those  meetings  can  not  agree  upon  any  ques- 
tions, then  they  shall  be  referred  to  the  standing  commit- 
tee, and  this  shall  form  answers  to  the  questions  before  they 
be  read  before  the  General  Council.  And  it  is  considered 
very  desirable,  and  indeed  necessary,  that  in  all  cases  in 
answering  questions,  both  in  district  and  Annual  Meetings,, 
that  some  Scripture  authority  or  reason  be  given  for  the  deci- 
sion, though  it  should  be  done  as  briefly  as  possible. 

No  business  can  come  before  district  meetings  until  it 
has  passed  through  the  church  in  which  it  originated.  It 
is  understood  that  any  member  falling  under  the  counsel 
of  the  church,  and  being  dissatisfied  with  the  decision,  may 
appeal  to  the  Annual  Meeting  by  presenting  a  petition, 
signed  by  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  church.  Noth- 
ing in  this  arrangement  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  prevent 
any  member  from  presenting  himself  before  the  standing 
committee  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  to  offer  any  thing  that 
can  not  be  brought  before  it  in  the  manner  prescribed,  and 
the  committee  shall  hear  his  case  and  dispose  of  it  accord- 
ing to  its  judgment. 

The  church  holding  the  meeting  shall  make  arrange- 
ments to  receive  and  entertain  all  the  brethren  and  sisters 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF   THE    BRETHREN.  305 

privately.  There  shall  be  no  boarding-tent  put  up  at  the 
place  of  meetiug  to  entertain  and  feed  a  mixed  multitude, 
as  heretofore. 

All  churches  shall  have  the  privilege  to  call  on  the  Gen- 
eral Council-meeting  for  committees  to  investigate  griev- 
ances, and  it  shall  be  its  duty  to  appoint  such  committees 
as  heretofore. 

THE  ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ANNUAL  .MEETING. 

The  bishop  and  elders  of  the  church  holding  the  Annual 
Meeting  shall  select,  from  among  the  bishops  present,  the 
standing  committee.  Virginia,  Maryland,  Pennsylvania, 
Ohio,  Indiana,  and  Illinois,  shall  each  be  entitled  to  three, 
if  present,  and  two,  if  present,  from  each  of  the  remaining 
states  in  which  churches  are  established,  and  whenever  said 
states  shall  contain  ten  bishops  each,  they  also  shall  be  en- 
titled to  three.  The  standing  committee  shall  choose  its 
own  officers,  and  these  shall  be  a  moderator,  two  clerks, 
and  a  door-keeper.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  moderator 
to  keep  order  among  the  members  of  the  committee,  and 
also  in  the  public  meeting.  He  shall  not  permit  two  breth- 
ren to  speak  at  the  same  time,  and  he  shall  decide  who  is 
entitled  to  the  floor.  He  shall  also  keep  the  speakers  to 
the  question,  and  declare  the  query  passed,  after  general 
consent,  by  silence.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  first  clerk 
to  keep  a  faithful  record  of  all  the  queries  and  answers, 
and  prepare  them  for  publication.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  second  clerk  to  read  distinctly  all  papers  as  often  as  re- 
quested. It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  door-keeper  to  take 
charge  of  the  room  in  which  the  committee  meet  for  busi- 
ness, and  he  shall  allow  no  intrusion  in  time  of  session. 

As  soon  as  the  standing  committee  has  been  named  they 
shall  retire  to  a  private  room  for  organization  and  the  re- 
ception of  the  queries  presented  by  the  delegates  from  the 
district-meetings    (or   churches),   after  which   all   proper 

queries  shall  be  read  to  the  General  Council-meetinsr  for 
20 


306  MINUTES    OF 

adoption  or  amendment,  and  sub-committees  be  dispensed 
with. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Annual  Meetings  shall  be  pub- 
lished, and  it  is  earnestly  recommended  that  all  the  over- 
seers of  churches,  whether  ordained  or  not,  have  them 
faithfully  read  and  observed  in  their  respective  charges. 
And  if  it  be  represented  to  the  Annual  Meeting  that  this 
recommendation  is  disregarded,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
standing  committee  to  appoint  faithful  brethren,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  said  churches,  and  see  that  the 
minutes  are  properly  read  and  observed,  and  to  set  in  order 
things  that  are  lacking.  The  above  is  unanimously  rec- 
ommended to  the  Annual  Meeting  by  the  committee. 

Signed  by  the  committee  :  D.  P.  Sayler,  Henry  Koontz, 
of  Maryland;  Benjamin  Moomaw,  of  Virginia;  David 
Derick,  of  Tennessee  ;  John  H.  Umstad,  John  Wise,  of 
Pennsylvania;  II.  D.  Davy,  James  Quinter,  John  Hershey, 
of  Ohio  ;  Jacob  Miller,  Iliel  Hamilton,  of  Indiana ;  Chris- 
tian Long,  John  Bowman,  of  Illinois;  David  Brown,  of 
Iowa. 

Three  members  of  the  committee  not  being  present, 
John  Bowman,  Henry  Koontz,  and  James  Quinter,  were 
appointed  to  fill  their  places. 

This  report  being  read  before  the  General  Council,  was 
adopted  by  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  we  try  the  committee's  report  for  at  least 
a  sufficient  length  of  time  to  give  it  a  fair  trial. 

Article  1.  A  number  of  questions  being  presented  upon 
the  subject  of  voting,  and  some  asking  for  a  repeal  of  for- 
mer minutes,  the  following  resolution,  as  an  answer  to  those 
questions,  was  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  we  think  it  most  expedient  not  to  repeal 
any  minutes  touching  voting;  that  this  Annual  Meeting 
recommends  to  the  members  of  the  church  to  refrain  from 
voting,  fearing  that  by  voting  we  may  compromise  our  non- 
resistant  principles  ;  but  we  recommend  forbearance  toward 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  307 

those  who  vote,  not  making  voting  a  test  of  fellowship, 
hoping  that  in  time  they  will  see  with  the  body  of  the 
brethren  upon  this  subject. 

Art.  2.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meetin'g  has  frequently 
decided  against  the  brethren  voting,  is  it  not  inconsistent, 
and  even  injurious  to  the  brotherhood,  for  brethren  to  write, 
and  editors  to  publish,  any  thing  in  opposition  to  those  de- 
cisions ?  Answer :  We  think  that  our  brethren,  who  write 
and  print  articles,  should  be  very  careful  not  to  promote 
strife  and  divisions  in  the  church,  but  peace,  love,  union, 
and  holiness. 

Art.  8.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  to  hold  church 
meetings  in  secresy,  as  we  are  commanded  to  take  Christ 
for  our  example ;  and  he  said  :  "  In  secret  have  I  said  noth- 
ing?" John  xviii.  20.  Answer:  It  is  accordino*  to  the 
gospel,  inasmuch  as  the  Savior  only  says :  "  In  secret  have 
I  said  nothing."  Consequently  this  does  not  prohibit  us 
from  transacting  church  business  in  secresy,  his  language 
not  applying  to  church  meetings.  In  holding  church  meet- 
ings secretly,  we  act  according  to  Matt,  xviii,  where  the 
Savior  says  :  "  Tell  it  unto  the  church." 

Art.  4.  If  an  elder  rejects  the  decisions  or  counsel  of  a 
committee  sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting,  the  majority  of  the 
church  sustaining  him,  what  course  should  be  pursued  to 
bring  him  to  submit?  Answer :  We  consider  it  wrong  for 
an  elder,  with  a  part  of  the  church,  to  reject  the  decision 
of  a  committee  sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting;  but  in  such  a 
case  the  minority  should  have  the  privilege  to  apply  for  the 
same,  or  another  committee. 

Art.  5.  If  a  member  receives  a  certificate  of  membership, 
is  he  still  considered  a  member  of  that  arm  of  the  church 
in  which  he  received  the  certificate,  until  he  presents  it  in 
another  arm?  And,  if  so,  how  long  can  a  member  hold  a 
certificate,  without  presenting.it,  before  he  loses  his  mem- 
bership entirely?  Answer:  We  think  he  is,  until  he  had 
sufficient  time  to  hand  in  his  letter,  and  has  willingly  neg- 
lected to  do  so.     (See  Paul  to  Philemon.) 


308  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  6.  Does  this  Annual  Meeting  judge  it  expedient  to 
reconsider  Art.  13,  of  the  minutes  of  1840,  and  Art.  20,  of 
the  minutes  of  1865?  Answer:  We  think  it  not  expedient 
to  do  so. 

Art.  7.  Is  it  according  to  the  order  of  the  gospel  for 
brethren,  being  mourners,  to  keep  their  hats  on  in  time  of 
funeral  services,  at  prayer,  and  preaching,  etc.?  And 
should  brethren  dress  their  dead  after  the  fashion  of  the 
world?  Answer:  We  think  not;  for  the  apostle  says; 
"It  is  a  shame  for  a  man  to  pray  or  prophesy  having  his 
head  covered"  (I.  Cor.  n.);  and  we  think  a  white  shroud 
becomes  our  dead  the  best. 

Art.  8.  A  man  was  baptized  by  the  brethren,  but  he 
afterward  left  the  church,  with  the  plea  that  he  never  be- 
lieved there  was  a  God,  and  that  he  joined  the  church  for 
worldly  gain;  but  afterward  he  wishes  to  join  the  church, 
and  to  be  baptized,  and  says  he  now  believes  in  Christ,  and 
lives  as  becomes  a  Christian.  Can  he  be  received  without 
being  re-baptized  ?  It  was  considered  best  to  defer  this- 
question  to  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  9.  A  member  is  charged  with  a  crime,  but  before 
the  case  was  investigated  he  removes  to  a  distant  country. 
Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  the  church  from 
which  he  moved  to  expel  that  member  without  first  inves- 
tigating the  case,  either  when  he  is  present,  or  by  writing? 
Answer :  We  think  that  churches  should  be  very  careful 
not  to  expel  members  without  giving  them  an  opportunity 
of  defending  themselves;  and,  as  a  general  rule,  we  con- 
sider it  improper  to  do  so  ;  but  there  may  be  cases  in  which 
the  church  is  justified  in  expelling  members  in  their  ab- 
sence. 

Art.  10.  Would  it  be  profitable  and  apostolic  to  num- 
ber the  brethren  and  sisters,  and  report  the  numerical 
strength  of  the  brotherhood  at  the  next  Annual  Meeting  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  not  apostolic,  inasmuch  as  the 
apostles  never  gave  the  exact  number  of  believers.  Acts- 
ii.  4-47  :  iv.  4. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  309 

Art.  11.  There  being  a  considerable  number  of  persons 
in  Tennessee,  belonging  to  a  body  of  professing  Christians, 
known  as  the  J.  A.  Bowman  Church,  he  having  been  at 
one  time  in  fellowship  with  the  brethren.  This  body  ex- 
pressed a  wish  to  our  brethren  in  Tennessee  to  become 
united  to  the  brethren,  and  a  committee  of  brethren  in 
Tennessee  was  appointed  to  confer  with  the  J.  A.  Bowman 
Church  relative  to  a  union;  but  the  brethren  in  Tennessee 
preferred  to  submit  the  case  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  it 
appointed  the  following  brethren  as  a  committee  to  visit 
the  J.  A.  Bowman  Church  to  confer  with  it,  and  to  receive 
it  into  fellowship  with  us,  if  judged  proper  to  do  so :  J.  P. 
Ebersole  and  II.  D.  Davy,  of  Ohio;  John  Metzger  and  C. 
Long,  of  Illinois;  Jacob  Miller  and  J.  Bowman,  of  Indi- 
ana; J.  Wise  and  D.  M.  Holsinger,  of  Pennsylvania;  D. 
P.  Sayler  and  II.  Koontz,  of  Maryland;  Daniel  Thomas 
and  Solomon  Garver,  of  Virginia. 

Art.  12.  Can  the  brethren  in  Missouri  take  the  oath  of 
loyalty,  as  set  forth  in  the  new  constitution  of  that  state, 
to  get  the  privilege  to  preach  the  gospel  ?  Answer:  They 
can  not  take  that  oath,  if  it  conflicts  with  the  principles  of 
the  gospel,  as  the  brethren  receive  those  principles,  but  we 
think  that  a  proper  construction  of  the  constitution  will 
not  require  any  compromise  of  our  principles.  And  we 
recommend  to  our  brethren  in  Missouri  to  ascertain  from 
the  proper  officers  the  true  import  of  the  oath,  to  see 
whether  it  doe3  conflict  with  our  Christian  principles. 

Art.  13.  As  it  is  the  practice  in  some  congregations  to 
have  the  supper  on  the  table  at  feet-washing,  while  in  oth- 
ers they  have  it  not  on,  can  not  this  Annual  Meeting  bring- 
about  a  uniformity  upon  this  subject?  Answer:  Though 
we  desire  uniformity,  yet  we  would  refer  the  brethren,  at 
present,  to  Art.  21,  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1863. 

Art.  14.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  minister  violates  his 
-marriage  contract,  by  committing  adultery  secretly,  and 
continues  the  transgression  for  over  one  year,  and  in  the 


310  MINUTES    OF 

meantime  seeks  and  obtains  the  ordained  elder's  place, 
discharges  all  the  holy  functions  of  that  office,  preaching, 
baptizing,  anointing  the  sick,  solemnizing  marriages,  and 
breaking  bread;  can  he  ever  be  received  again?  And,  if 
so,  how  long  after  having  been  expelled?  Answer:  "We 
think  he  can,  as  a  private  member,  but  not  until  the  church 
in  which  he  lives  is  fully  satisfied  that  his  conduct  through- 
out proves  that  he  has  indeed  repented.     II.  Cor.  n.  6-8. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  lease  a  piece  of 
ground  to  an  agricultural  society,  for  ten  years,  for  the 
purpose  of  holding  county  fairs  on?  If  not,  what  shall  be 
done  with  such  a  brother?  Answer:  "We  consider  it  not 
right ;  and  we  think  he  should  give  satisfaction  to  the 
church ;  and  should  he  refuse  to  do  so,  let  him  be  dealt 
with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  16.  "What  shall  be  done  in  case  a  husband  will  not 
live  with  his  wife,  and  she  obtaius  a  divorce,  and  marries 
another,  and  after  living  with  him  for  several  years,  she  de- 
sires admission  into  the  church,  and  is  received;  but  some 
object  to  her  reception,  saying  they  can  not  fellowship  her; 
can  she  be  retained  as  a  member?  And,  if  so,  what  shall 
be  done  with  those  who  refuse  to  fellowship  her?  Answer : 
"We  think,  under  existing  circumstances,  she  can  not  be 
retained  as  a  member.     (See  Minutes  of  1850,  Art.  12.) 

Art.  17.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  minis- 
tering brethren,  when  traveling,  to  keep  and  have  published 
a  record  of  their  travels,  telling  how  many  meetings  they 
attended,  how  many  were  converted,  who  took  them  from 
place  to  place,  with  whom  they  staid  over  night,  besides 
many  little  incidents  seen  by  the  way,  etc.  ?  Answer :  W7e 
have  no  gospel  command  to  do  so,  but  if  it  is  done  it 
should  be  to  edification,  and  a  too  minute  detail  of  partic- 
ulars should  be  avoided,  deeming  that  useless. 

Art.  18.  Should  not  brethren,  according  to  the  gospel, 
be  prohibited  from  selling  and  circulating  books,  circulars, 
etc.,  at  our  Annual  Meetings — hymn-books  and  Bibles  ex- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        311 

cepted?  Answer:  We  think  the  gospel  does  not  prohibit 
us  from  selling  books  comporting  with  the  gospel,  and  ap- 
proved by  the  brethren.  But  we  consider  it  not  consistent 
to  do  so  on  the  Sabbath-day. 

Art.  19.  A  request  to  reconsider  answer  to  Art.  40, 
1865 :  It  was  reconsidered,  but  postponed. 

Art.  20.  Inasmuch  as  the  subject  of  lightning-rods  has 
been  before  the  Annual  Council,  and  brethren  have  only 
been  advised  to  bear  with  oue  another,  which  we  consider 
is  no  decision  at  all ;  for,  if  right,  why  not  recommend  it 
to  all,  and,  if  wrong,  why  tolerate  it  at  all  ?  Answer  :  As 
we  have  no  command  to  erect  or  forbid  lightning-rods,  we 
would  not  advise  brethren  to  put  up  such  rods,  but  the 
brethren  should  bear  with  one  another  in  love  in  such  mat- 
ters.    (Minutes  of  1351,  Art.  7,  and  of  1856,  Art.  25. 

Art.  21.  Inasmuch  as  the  freedmen  of  the  south  are  in  a 
starving  condition,  and  also  destitute  of  education  and 
Christianity,  would  not  this  district  council-meeting  (south- 
ern district  of  Indiana)  think  it  advisable  to  adopt  some 
plan  for  their  relief,  and  present  it  to  our  next  Annual  Con- 
ference for  their  deliberation  ?  Whereupon  it  was  resolved 
that  this  meeting  make  arrangements  to  raise  funds,  and 
appoint  two  brethren  ,to  rgo  into  the  Southern  States  as 
soon  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will  admit  of  it,  and  distrib- 
ute those  funds  among  the  needy,  irrespective  of  color,  and 
also  preach  the  gospel  whenever  opportunity  may  present 
itself.  (Some  further  particulars  relative  to  the  manner  of 
raising  the  funds  were  given,  but  are  here  omitted  for  want 
of  room.)  It.  was  further  concluded  to  submit  the  above 
to  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  if  not  approved  of,  it  was  not 
to  be  carried  out.  The  following  is  the  action  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting  upon  the  above:  We  heartily  approve  of  the 
above,  and  bid  our  brethren  God  speed,  and  recommend  to 
our  brotherhood  to  imitate  the  worthy  example  of  our  dear 
brethren  in  southern  Indiana. 

Art.  22.  Whose  duty  is  it  to  perform  the  annual  church 


312  MINUTES    OF 

visit?  the  visiting  brethren's  duty  alone,  or  is  it  also  a  duty 
enjoined  upon  the  speakers  to  help  to  perform  it?  An- 
swer :  We  consider  it  is  the  deacon's  duty  to  perform  the 
yearly  visit,  by  order  of  the  church,  as  it  belongs  to  their 
commission  ;  yet,  if  speakers  see  proper  to  assist  them, 
they  can  do  so. 

Art.  23.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  a  difference  of  opinion 
among  the  brethren  in  reference  to  what  constitutes  a  rea- 
sonable  excuse  for  going  upon  stands  or  pulpits  in  meeting- 
houses of  other  denominations,  will  the  brethren  in  Annual 
Council  give  a  more  definite  answer  upon  this  subject? 
Answer :  We  recommend  the  brethren  to  bear  with  one 
another,  allowing  every  brother  to  keep  his  conscience 
clear,  as  we  have  no  "  thus  saith  the  Lord"  for  it. 

Art.  24.  Is  it  allowed  for  brethren  to  travel  through  the 
country  selling  patent  rights,  and  buying  stock  for  specu- 
lators, being  looked  at  as  sharp  traders?  If  not  approved 
of,  what  shall  be  done  in  such  cases  ?  Answer  :  This  meet- 
ing does  not  approve  of  brethren  doing  so,  and  if  it  is  done, 
Ave  recommend  the  churches  having  the  care  of  such  who 
do  it,  to  attend  to  it. 

Art.  25.  What  do  the  brethren  call  fallen  members,  those 
that  are  in  avoidance  only,  or  all  of  them  that  are  put  out 
of  the  church  ?  Answer :  We  think  t-hat  all  that  are  put 
out  of  the  church  by  avoidance,  or  according  to  Matt,  xvin., 
are  so  called. 

Art.  26.  What  shall  the  church  do  with  a  ministering 
brother  that  has  promised  three  times  to  the  church  to  con- 
form to  the  order  of  the  church  in  point  of  dress  and  ap- 
parel, and  the  time  set  for  him  to  do  so,  but  the  time  ex- 
pires, and  he  does  not  make  his  promise  good,  and  also  in- 
fluences members  against  conforming  to  the  rules  laid  down 
in  the  gospel  relative  to  non-conformity  to  the  fashion  of 
the  world  ?  Answer :  We  advise  the  church  having  breth- 
ren who  fail  to  comply  with  their  promises,  as  above  stated, 
to  deal  with  them  according  to  Matt.  xvin. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        313 

Art.  27.  Inasmuch  as  pride  and  an  inclination  to  follow 
the  fashions  of  the  world  are  still  increasing  among  us,  in 
wearing  fine  apparel,  frock  and  sack  coats,  dusters,  shawls, 
etc.,  with  the  hair  parted  off  to  one  side,  or  shingled  and 
roached,  moustaches,  etc.;  the  sisters  also  wearing  fine  ap- 
parel, going  without  caps,  wearing  hoops,  hats,  vails,  over- 
coats, jewelry,  etc.;  and,  as  admonition,  in  some  cases,  has 
not  effected  any  thing,  can  not  this  Yearly  Meeting  pro- 
pose some  plan  by  which  this  growing  evil  may  be  arrested  ? 
Answer :  We  think  members  of  the  church,  conforming  to 
the  fashions  of  the  world  as  above  stated,  should  be  ad- 
monished again  and  again,  and  if  they  will  not  hear  the 
church,  the  Savior  has  given  directions  iu  Matt,  xviii.  how 
to  deal  with  them. 

Art.  28.  Should  not  colored  members  be  held  equal  with 
white  members  iu  church  privileges?  Answer:  We  refer 
to  minutes  of  1835,  Art.  1;  and  1845,  Art.  2;  and  1849, 
Art.  31. 

Art.  29.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided 
that  bells  on  meeting-houses,  giving  offense,  is  wrong,  does 
this  Annual  Meeting  say  that  bells  on-  meeting-houses  in 
towns  or  cities  (though  of  great  advantage)  should  be  taken 
down,  or  should  they  be  regarded  as  lightning-rods,  dinner 
bells,  and  like'  things,  giving  like  offenses?  and  if  not  so 
regarded,  will  this  Annual  Meeting  give  gospel  grounds 
for  not  admitting  church  bells  on  meeting-houses  in  towns 
or  cities?  Answer:  We  think  it  best  for  brethren  to  be 
subject  to  the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  if  rec- 
onciliation can  not  be  made,  it  would  be  best  to  take  them 
clown,  according  to  Romans  xiv.  15-21,  and  avoid  giving 
offense. 

Art.  30.  A  young  man  enlists  in  the  service  of  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States,  and  after  being  in  camp  a 
month,  deserts  and  returns  home  secretly,  and,with  the  con- 
sent of  his  parents,  changes  his  name  to  his  mother's  maiden 
name,  retaining  his  given  name  as  a  middle  name.     He 


314  MINUTES    OF 

then  goes  into  another  part  of  the  state  and  gets  married, 
and  becomes  a  member  of  the  church  under  his  assumed 
name.  Some  six  or  eight  months  afterward  the  church 
gets  to  hear  of  this,  and  when  he  is  asked  concerning  it,  he 
frankly  admits  that  it  was  so,  and  was  sorry  that  it  so  hap- 
pened. What  is  now  the  duty  of  the  church  in  this  case? 
Answer :  Inasmuch  as  said  brother  entered  into  the  mar- 
riage contract  under  a  fictitious  name,  and  also  in  violation 
of  Romans  xin.  1,  and  has  also  deceived  the  church,  the 
duty  of  said  church  would  be  to  make  it  his  duty  to  have 
the  marriage  legalized,  and  make  good  satisfaction  for  said 
deception. 

Art.  31.  Does  this  meeting  approve  of  a  brother  who  is 
a  physician  to  forward  his  reputation  by  stating  in  his  bills 
and  circulars  that  he  is  a  member  of  the  German  Baptist 
Church  ?     Answer :  We  do  not  approve  of  it. 

Art.  32.  Is  it  agreeable  with  the  gospel  for  brethren  to 
put  a  reward  on  their  horses  or  other  property  when  stolen, 
and  try  to  recover  the  same  ?  Answer :  Is  it  not  according 
to  Luke  vi.  30. 

Art.  33.  Will  the  Annual  Meeting  inform  what  course 
to  pursue  in  the  following  case  :  A  member  is  put  in  avoid- 
ance, and  an  elder  from  another  state,  knowing  it,  visits, 
salutes  with  the  kiss,  and  eats  with  the  avoided  person  5 
and  when  he  is  told  that  in  doing  so  he  has  grieved  the 
brethren,  he  threatens  the  church  or  district.  Answer1 
We  consider  that  the  church  aggrieved  should  select  a  com- 
mittee of  three  ordained  elders,  who  shall  notify  the  offend- 
ing elder  of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting,  and  then  in- 
vestigate the  case,  and  dispose  of  it  according  to  their 
judgment.  And  we  decide  that  an  elder  has  no  right  to 
disrespect  the  action  of  another  church  in  this  manner. 
If  a  church  should  do  wrong,  it  should  be  proceeded  against 
in  the  regular  gospel  manner. 

Art.  34.  Is  it  considered  conforming  to  the  world  for 
ministering  brethren,  or  others,  ta  have  musical  instru- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         315 

merits,  such  as  melodeons,  pianos,  etc.,  in  their  houses,  and 
for  their  children,  who  are  members  of  the  church,  to  spend 
their  precious  time  in  playing  on  such  instruments?  An- 
swer: Considered,  that  it  is  tending  too  much  in  that  di- 
rection, the  world  being  largely  engaged  in  it,  and  we  have 
no  example  in  the  New  Testament  that  it  was  ever  in- 
dulged in  by  Christians.  Yet,  if  strictly  confined  to  sarced 
music,  we  can  not  positively  prohibit  it,  but  advise  all  the 
beloved  members  to  deny  themselves  of  this  indulgence, 
believing  that  it  is  attended  with  dangerous  consequences. 

Art.  35.  Is  a  single  brother  eligible  to  the  office  of  bishop 
or  deacon?  And  does  Paul  mean,  when  he  says  to  Timo- 
thy, "Let  the  deacon  be  the  husband  of  one  wife,"  that  he 
must  be  a  married  man,  or  does  he  mean  that  he  shall  have 
but  one  wife  at  a  time?  I.  Tim.  in.  12.  Answer:  We 
consider  that  a  single  brother  can  hold  the  office  of  a  bishop 
or  deacon,  if  duly  qualified  in  other  respects,  and  that  mar- 
ried brethren  can  hold  either  office,  being  the  husband  of 
one  wife  at  a  time. 

Art.  3G.  AVhat  is  the  proper  course  for  members  to  pur- 
sue when  they  hear  a  slanderous  report  against  a  member 
of  the  church,  or  even  persons  of  the  world  ?  Answer :  In 
all  cases  we  should  hear  reports  with  great  allowance,  and 
when  it  is  confirmed  against  a  member,  it  should  be  brought 
before  the  church  through  the  official  body.  As  to  persons 
of  the  world,  we  should,  by  no  means,  circulate  slanderous 
reports  of  them,  it  being,  in  all  cases,  calculated  to  engen- 
der strife  and  confusion. 

Art.  37.  Inasmuch  as  the  subject  of  avoidauce,  at  our 
last  Annual  Meeting,  was  laid  over  for  a  more  mature  con- 
sideration at  this  Annual  Meeting,  we,  the  brethren  assem- 
bled at  an  annual  district  council-meeting,  petition  this 
.  conference  to  make  no  change,  but  let  the  avoidance  be  en- 
forced in  certain  cases.  Considered,  the  majority  of  us  are 
not  willing  to  make  any  change. 


316  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  38.  Can  a  man  be  received  into  the  church,  and 
hold  his  office  as  assessor?  We  think  he  can  not  consist- 
ently with  the  gospel.     John  xviii.  36;  Matt.  vi.  24. 

Art.  39.  Is  it  allowed  for  brethren,  and  especially 
preachers  or  deacons,  to  travel  through  the  country,  traf- 
ficiug  in  fruit-trees,  and,  in  their  anxiety  to  sell,  use  great 
efforts  to  sell  at  extravagant  prices,  making  it  quite  a  spec- 
ulative business  to  themselves  and  to  their  employers? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  wrong,  according  to  Matt.  vn.  12, 
and  brethren  who  deal  in  trees  should  deal  honestly,  as 
they  should  in  all  their  dealings. 

Art.  40.  How  is  it  considered  if  a  neighboring  churcn 
still  holds  persons  as  members  who  joined  a  secret  society, 
without  calling  them  to  answer  for  their  conduct,  the  elders 
knowing  such  to  be  the  case?  Shall  we  go  to  their  com- 
munion, or  invite  them  to  ours?  Considered  not  accord- 
ing to  II.  Cor.  vi.  14. 

Art.  41.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  members,  or 
any  body  of  members,  to  pay  a  stated  salary  to  our  minis- 
tering brethren,  for  the  support  of  their  families,  that  they 
may  give  themselves  wholly  to  their  ministerial  labors? 
Answer:  Not  wrong  to  support  the  ministry,  where  it  is 
needed.  I.  Tim.  v.  18 ;  Luke  x.  7.  But  we  do  not  approve 
of  paying  a  stated  salary. 

Art.  42.  How  is  it  considered  by  the  brethren  in  Annual 
Council,  for  sisters,  who  are  in  needy  circumstances,  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  benefit  of  an  act,  passed  by  the  leg- 
islature of  Pennsylvania,  granting  a  gratuity  and  pension 
to  the  soldiers  of  the  war  of  1812,  or  to  their  widows? 
^Considered  right  for  them  to  receive  it. 

Art.  43.  Would  it  not  be  more  consistent  with  the  teach- 
ing of  the  gospel,  in  receiving  disowned  members,  for  the 
members  of  the  church  to  go  to  the  disowned  members, 
and  receive  them,  than  for  the  disowned  members  to  go 
around  to  the  members  of  the  church,  and  be  received  by 
them  in  that  way?     Answer:  Inasmuch  as  we  find  that 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  317 

the  practice  laid  down  in  the  minutes,  referred  to  above, 
has  not  been  a  general  one  hitherto,  and  as  it  seems  a  union 
of  sentiment  can  not  be  effected  at  this  meeting,  we  would 
feel  to  leave  the  matter  optional  with  the  churches  for  the 
present. 

Art.  44.  This  question  refers  to  the  case  of  the  church 
receiving  a  class  of  persons  separated  from  their  former 
partners  in  the  marriage  contract,  and  who  have  married 
again.  It  was  concluded  to  postpone  this  question  to  the- 
next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  45.  We  ask  this  Annual  Meeting  to  reconsider  Art.. 
6,  of  1864,  and,  if  not  changed,  to  give  a  more  scriptural 
reason  why  brethren  should  not  serve  as  jurors.  Answer:: 
We  advise  our  brethren  not  to  serve  as  jurors  when  they 
can  avoid  it.      , 

Art.  46.  Resolved,  that  Art.  47,  of  the  minutes  of  I860,, 
be  altered  to  read,  "The  President  of  the  United  States," 
instead  of  "President  Lincoln." 

Art.  47.  The  following  resolution  was  proposed  to  the 
Annual  Meeting,  by  a  district  meeting,  with  a  request  that 
it  be  adopted : 

Resolved,  by  this  Annual  Meeting,  That  the  churches- 
throughout  the  brotherhood  enforce  plainness  of  dress,  and 
a  plain  manner  of  wearing  the  hair  and  beard,  upon  the- 
preachers  and  officers  of  the  churches.  By  plainness  of 
dress,  we  mean  the  common  order  of  giving  shape  to  dress, 
as  practiced  by  the  old  brethren  and  sisters  generally,  and 
by  plainness  of  hair  we  mean  the  hair  parted  on  the  top  of 
the  head,  or  all  combed  back  in  a  plain  manner,  or  combed 
straight  down  all  around  the  head,  and  not  having  the  hair 
and  beard  trimmed  according  to  the  custom  of  the  world. 

Considered,  that  this  Annual  Meeting  unanimously  adopt 
this  resolution,  according  to  Rom.  xn.  2;  I.  Peter  1.  14;  I. 
John  11. 15,  16;  and  that  all  preachers  and  officers  that  fol- 
low the  fashions  of  the  world  in  the  foregoing  particulars, 
violate  the  order  of  the  gospel  by  doing  so,  and  render 


318  MINUTES    OF 

themselves  liable  to  be  brought  under  the  counsel  of  the 
church. 

Art.  48.  Requests  for  committees:  1.  For  a  committee 
to  visit  the  "White  Oak  Church,  in  Lancaster  County,  Penn- 
sylvania. The  folio  wing,  brethren  are  on  this  committee: 
Joseph  Hanawalt,  Moses  Miller,  Isaac  Meyers,  Daniel  Kel- 
ler, and  Andrew  Miller.  2.  For  a  committee  to  visit  the 
Swatara  Church,  Lebanon  County,  Pennsylvania.  David 
Gerlach,  Moses  Miller,  Andrew  Miller,  and  Daniel  Keller. 
3.  For  a  committee  to  visit  the  Antietam  Church,  Franklin 
County,  Pennsylvania.  H.  D.  Davy,  John  P.  Ebersole, 
John  "Wise,  John  M.  Holsinger,  and  John  G.  Glock. 

In  response  to  a  petition  from  the  brethren  in  Virginia, 
for  pecuniary  help  for  Bro.  Peter  Crumpacker,  an  elder  in 
the  church,  who  lost  three  thousand  dollars  in  getting  his 
brethren  out  of  prison,  and  by  being  robbed  by  the  rebels, 
this  Annual  Meeting  recommends  to  all  the  churches  in  the 
north  to  assist  liberally  this  worthy  brother  to  bear  his  loss 
which  he,  through  love  to  his  brethren,  sustains.  And  we 
appoint  Bro.  Benjamin  Moomaw  the  receiver,  to  receive 
the  funds  collected.  His  express  office  is  Bonsacks,  Roan- 
oke County,  Virginia,  and  his  post-office  is  the  same. 

Bro.  William  C.  Thurman  appearing  at  the  meeting,  and 
giving  satisfaction  to  the  brethren,  was  restored  to  his  office 
as  a  minister.  The  following  was  submitted  to  him,  and 
lie  accepted.it  by  signing  it :  "  He  shall  consent  to  give  and 
take  counsel,  and  to  teach  and  obey  the  gospel,  omitting  to 
mention,  in  preaching  on  the  doctrine  of  feet-washing 
among  the  brethren,  and  everywhere  else,  that  the  one  who 
washes  should  wipe.  His  course  shall  be  referred  to  the 
Annual  Council,  if  any  objections  whatever  are  urged 
against  him.  He  shall  go  to  Virginia,  where  he  was  chosen 
to  the  ministry,  and  be  installed  in  his  office,  according  to 
the  order  of  the  church,  and  be  subject  to  the  church. 

"W.  C.  Thurman." 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         319 

It  was  considered  advisable  that  the  several  states  make 
provision  to  bear  the  expenses  of  the  committee  appointed 
to  go  to  Tennessee.  Each  state  will  provide  for  the  breth- 
ren who  go  from  it. 

There  was  a  request  made  by  the  district  meeting  of 
northern  Indiana,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1868. 

The  request  from  the  Pipe  Creek  Church,  for  the  meet- 
ing in  1867,  was  renewed;  and  the  next  Annual  Meeting 
will  be,  the  Lord  willing,  with  the  Pipe  Creek  Church, 
Carroll  County,  Maryland.  Brethren  going  there  are  rec- 
ommended to  go  to  Baltimore  City,  then  take  the  "Western 
Maryland  Railroad  for  Linwood  Station,  it  being  one  mile 
and  a  half  from  the  place  of  meeting.  Brethren  having 
occasion  to  write  for  information,  will  address  Philip 
Boyle,  New  Windsor,  Maryland,  or  David  Miller,  Frizzle- 
burg,  Maryland.  - 

Standing  committee:  Daniel  Keller,  John  Wise,  of 
Pennsylvania ;  H.  D.  Davy,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  of  Ohio ;  Chris- 
tian Reefer,  Henry  Koontz,  of  Maryland;  John  Wine, 
Daniel  Thomas,  of  Virginia;  Jacob  Miller,  J.  Knisely,  of 
Indiana;  C.  Long,  S.  Garber,  of  Illinois;  D.  Derrich,  of 
Tennessee. 

.  D.  Davy,  Moderator. 

James  Quieter,  Clerk. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1867. 

After  the  devotional  exercises  on  Tuesday  morning,  the 
standing  committee  was  appointed,  and  the  fifteenth  chap- 
ter of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles  was  read. 

The  followinsr  brethren  were  named  as  the  committee: 
Joseph  Riser,  H.  D.  Davy,  and  James  Quinter,  of  Ohio  ; 
David  Miller,  Jacob  Metzger,  and  Jesse  Myers,  of  Indiana; 
Christian  Long  and  John  Fitz,  of  Illinois;  Peter  Long, 


320  MINUTES    OF 

Andrew  Miller,  and  John  Holsinger,  of  Pennsylvania ; 
Feter  Crnmpacker,  Daniel  Thomas,  and  John  Wine,  of 
Virginia;  David  Ritteuhouse  and  John  Murray,  of  Iowa; 
F.  P.  Loehr,  of  Michigan  ;  Henry  Koontz,  Isaac  Pfoutz 
and  D.  P.  Sayler,  of  Maryland. 

The  meeting  was  then  organized  by  appointing  H.  D. 
Davy,  moderator,  J.  Quinter,  first  clerk,  D.  P.  Sayler,  sec- 
ond clerk,  and  John  Weybright,  door-keeper. 

After  the  organization  the  following  delegates  reported 
themselves  to  the  standing  committee:  1.  Southern  district 
of  Ohio,  Joseph  Riser,  Abraham  Flory.  2.  Northwestern 
district  of  Ohio,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  Joseph  Kautfman.  3.  East- 
ern district  of  Ohio,  II.  D.  Davy,  Jacob  Garver.  4.  South- 
ern district  of  Indiana,  Hiel  Hamilton.  5.  Middle  district 
of  Indiana,  Jacob  Metzger,  Jesse  Myers.  6.  Northern 
district  of  Indiana,  D.  Miller,  F.  P.  Loehr.  7.  Southern 
district  of  Illinois,  I.  Gibson,  J.  Fitz.  8.  Northern  district 
of  Illinois,  C.  Long,  J.  W.  Price.  9.  Eastern  district  of 
Pennsylvania,  D.  Gerlach,  William  Hertzler.  10.  Middle 
district  of  Pennsylvania,  D.  M.  Holsinger,  D.  Bosserman. 
11  Western  district  of  Pennsylvania,  John  Wise,  Ephraim 
Cober.  12.  First  district  of  Virginia,  Abraham  NefT,  P. 
Nininger,  B.  F.  Moomaw.  13.  Second  district  of  Virginia, 
J.  Wine,  D.  Thomas.  14.  Third  district  of  Virginia,  M. 
Cosner.  15.  District  of  Iowa,  David  Ritteuhouse,  John 
Murray.  16.  District  of  western  Maryland,  David  Long, 
E.  Slifer.  17.  District  of  eastern  Maryland,  Philip  Boyle, 
D.  P.  Sayler.  18.  District  of  Tennessee,  P.  Wrightsmau, 
J.  B.  Pence. 

Article  1.  The  district  of  southern  Ohio  respectfully 
requests  the  Annual  Meeting  to  give  some  more  definite 
direction  than  we  now  have  for  dealing  with  a  church  that 
is  altogether  out  of  the  order  of  the  gospel.  Answer:  We 
think  that  the  direction  for  meeting  such  cases  as.  alluded 
to  above,  is  contained  in  the  minutes  of  last  Annual  Meet- 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  321 

ing,  and  if  that  direction  is  understood  and  carried  out, 
nothing  further  is  necessary. 

Art.  2.  Would  it  not  be  well  to  have  the  same  questions 
asked  throughout  the  brotherhood,  on  our  annual  visits? 
Answer :  "We  think  it  would,  and  the  following  form  of 
questions  is  given  :  1.  Are  you  still  in  the  faith  of  the  gos- 
pel, as  you  declared  in  your  baptism  ?  2.  Are  you,  as  far 
as  you  know,  in  peace  and  union  with  the  church?  3. 
Will  you  still  labor  with  the  brethren  for  an  increase  of 
holiness,  both  in  yourself  and  others?  4.  Liberty  should 
be  given  to  members  to  bring  an}- thing  they  may  desire  to, 
and  that  they  may  think  the  good  of  the  church  requires, 
before  the  visitiug  brethren. 

Art.  3.  What  is  the  order  of  the  brethren  when  mem- 
bers have  become  entirely  dependent  upon  the  church  ? 
Have  they  the  privilege  of  moving  from  one  branch  of  the 
church  to  another  without  the  consent  of  the  church  into 
which  they  propose  to  move  ?  Answer  :  The  church  into 
which  such  members  propose  to  move  should  first  be  coun- 
seled before  they  move,  and  if  this  is  not  complied  with, 
the  charges  should  be  paid  by  the  church  from  which  they 
moved. 

Art.  4.  A  request  to  change  the  word  enforce,  in  Art.  47 
of  1866,  to  advise.  Answer:  We  consider  it  not  best  to 
change  the  word  in  the  connection  in  which  it  stands,  as  it 
applies  to  the  officers  of  the  church,  for  whom  it  was  de- 
signed. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  act 
as  administrators  or  executors,  in  the  capacity  that  the  law 
requires?  And  if  it  is,  has  the  church  a  right  to  require 
such  to  absent  themselves  from  the  communion  ?  The  An- 
nual Meeting  is  also  requested  to  reconcile  Art.  24,  of  18G4, 
with  Art.  2,  of  1821.  Answer:  We  consider  it  not  advis- 
able for  brethren  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  administrators 
or  executors,  as  it  is  attended  with  much  difficulty.     And, 

as  it  regards  reconciling  the  two  articles  above  named,  there 
21 


322  MINUTES    OF 

is  not  really  as  much  difference  as  at  first  appears,  since  in 
Art.  2,  1821,  permission  is  granted  to  the  brethren  to  serve 
in  the  capacity  alluded  to, 'under  certain  circumstances. 

Art.  6.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  a  brother 
to  refuse  paying  his  just  debts,  declaring  his  wife  to  be  the 
lawful  owner  of  all  his  property?  Answer:  We  consider 
it  unjust  for  a  brother  to  do  so,  and  that  such  conduct 
should  not  be  tolerated. 

Art.  7.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  for  members  of 
the  church  to  have  their  profiles  or  miniatures  taken;  and, 
if  inconsistent,  how  shall  the  church  deal  with  such  mem- 
bers who  do  so?  Answer:  As  the  brethren,  in  Annual 
Council  in  former  years,  decided  it  to  be  wrong,  or  incon- 
consistent,  for  members  to  have  their  profiles  or  miniatures 
taken,  we  advise  them  not  to  do  so. 

Art.  8.  When  there  are  two  places  of  meeting  in  a  con- 
gregation, the  elder  attending  at  one  place,  and  two  other 
ministering  brethren  at  the  other,  is  it  according  to  the 
gospel  for  a  minister  in  the  second  degree  to  authorize  a 
brother  in  the  first  degree  to  baptize,  after  counseling  the 
members  present,  in  the  absence  of  the  elder  or  bishop? 
Answer:  We  unanimously  consider  it  consistent  and  valid, 
when  authorized  by  a  minister  in  the  second  degree  and 
the  members  present. 

Art.  9.  If  a  member  of  a  certain  church  is  put  in  avoid- 
ance, how  should  members  of  those  churches  that  can  not 
see  that  avoidance  is  necessary  hold  such  that  are  put  in 
avoidance?  Answer:  The  adjoining  churches,  and  mem- 
bers of  adjoining  churches,  are  to  hold  them  as  such,  and 
also  avoid  all  speaking  against  avoidance  to  the  avoided 
one. 

Art.  10.  Can  we  not  get  a  more  scriptural  plan  to  elect 
church  officers?  Answer:  We  consider  it  best  to  defer 
this  query  for  further  consideration. 

Art.  11.  Would  it  not  be  better  for  all  the  churches  to 
have  one  mode  for  holding  the  Lord's  Supper?     Answer: 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  323 

"We  think  it  would  be  better,  and  hope  the  time  will  come 
when  there  will  be  a  unanimity  of  practice  among  the 
brethren  upon  this  subject,  and  we  recommend  all  the 
brethren  to  pray  and  labor  for  this. 

Art.  12.  Inasmuch  as  it  seems  to  have  been  the  practice 
•of  the  apostles,  in  setting  a  member  apart  for  any  special 
duty  in  the  church,  to  do  so  by  prayer  and  laying  on  of 
hands,  would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  the  gospel 
to  establish  visiting  brethren  and  speakers  in  their  offices 
by  prayer  and  laying  on  of  hands,  according  to  Acts  VI.  6,  and 
xiii.  3?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as  it  does  not  appear  plainly 
to  all  the  brethren  that  it  was  always  the  practice  of  the 
apostles  to  lay  hands  on  those  appointed  to  any  special 
duty,  we  therefore  think  it  best  to  make  no  change  at  pres- 
ent in  the  order  of  installing  speakers  and  deacons  in  their 
offices. 

Art.  13.  Inasmuch  as  the  church  of  the  brethren  has 
always  endeavored  to  maintain  the  principle  of  temperance, 
will  the  brethren  composing  this  Annual  Meeting  admit 
that  members  may  join  a  temperance  society,  in  the  pres- 
ent form  such  societies  take,  outside  of  the  church?  An- 
swer: As  our  brotherhood  has,  again  and  again,  taken  de- 
cided ground  against  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  beverage, 
and  recommended  to  the  brethren  to  abstain  from  their 
use  as  such,  we  see  no  necessity  of  joining  ourselves  to  any 
other  organization ;  and,  therefore,  we  can  not  allow  breth- 
ren the  privilege  of  doing  so,  but  renew  our  solemn  pro- 
testation against  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  as  a  bever- 
age, and  consider  it  the  duty  of  every  member  of  the 
church  to  use  his  influence  asrainst  them. 

Art.  14.  Is  it  expedient  for  brethren  to  put  a  reward  on 
their  property,  when  stolen,  and  try  to  recover  the  same  ? 
Answer:  We  consider  the  Scripture  to  be  satisfactory  in 
the  above  case,  without  human  expediency.    Luke  vi.  30. 

Art.  15.  "W  ould  not  the  following  be  a  better  way  for 
organizing  the  Annual  Meeting  than  that  which  is  now 


824  MINUTES    OF 

practiced?  Let  each  district  council  select  one  ordained 
elder  as  a  member  of  the  standing  committee  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting,  and  should  any  vacancy  or  vacancies  occur, 
the  elders  of  the  church  holding  the  Annual  Meeting  shall 
supply  the  same  from  among  the  ordained  elders  present  at 
the  meeting.  Answer:  "We  think  it  best  to  lay  this  ques- 
tion over  until  next  year,  with  the  understanding  that  the 
brethren  where  the  next  Annual  Meeting  will  be  held  be 
instructed  to  select  the  standing  committee,  as  much  as- 
practicable,  according  to  the  foregoing  plan. 

Art.  16.  Does  the  fornication  committed,  as  in  Matt.  xix. 
9,  place  the  parties  in  such  a  position  that  they  can  never 
be  reconciled  to  each  other  and  live  together  again?  An- 
swer :  The  guilty  party  giving  evidence  of  true  repentance, 
they  may  be  reconciled.  (See  I.  Cor.  vn.  11 ;  II.  Cor.  n.  6,  7.) 

Art.  17.  "We  desire  this  Annual  Meeting  to  consider 
Art.  18,  of  the  minutes  of  1856,  and  give  us  the  scriptural 
rule  to  govern  such  cases.  Answer:  If  the  cause  of  sepa- 
ration be  malice  and  ill-will,  they  can  not  be  retained  in 
the  church,  according  to  Heb.  xn.  14,  15. 

Art.  18.  Do  the  Scriptures  teach  that  it  is  committing 
adultery  to  marry  a  person  who  is  divorced,  while  the  first 
partner  is  living?     Answer:  They  do.     (See  Luke  xvi.  18.) 

Art.  19.  In  the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1866, 
page  2,  it  is  said  that  "any  member  falling  under  the  coun- 
sel of  the  church,  and  being  dissatisfied  with  the  decision, 
may  appeal  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  by  presenting  a  peti- 
tion, signed  by  a  number  of  the  members  of  the  church." 
"Would  it  not  be  better  to  reconsider  this  clause  or  para- 
graph, and  put  it  back  to  the  decision  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1849,  Art.  26?  Answer:  "We  think  it  not  ad- 
visable to  repeal  the  paragraph,  but  that  we  add  what  was 
intended,  namely,  this:  The  Annual  Meeting  shall  hear 
their  petition,  through  the  standing  committee,  and  if  they 
deem  their  claim  just,  they  shall  grant  them  a  committee, 
who  shall  examine  the  case,  and  their  decision  shall  be 
final. 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    TlIE    BRETHREN.  325 

Art.  20.  If  a  brother  wrongs  a  neighbor,  who  is  not  a 
member  of  the  church,  by  not  fulfilling  his  promise,  so  that 
his  neighbor  surfers  damage ;  and  the  church,  taking  the 
matter  into  consideration,  expels  the  brother  for  doing  this 
and  other  crimes.  Xow,  we  wish  to  know  whether  the 
church  has  the  right  to  receive  that  brother  into  the  church 
again  before  he  has  made  restitution.  If  it  is  wrong  for  a 
church  to  do  so,  what  is  to  be  done?  What  is  to  be  done 
with  a  church  that  has  done  so?  Answer:  The  proceed- 
ings are  wrong;  and  unless  the  church  requires  the  brother 
to  make  restitution,  the  church  shall  make  restitution. 

Art.  21.  Who  are  the  proper  persons  to  perform  the  duty 
of  anointing  the  sick?  James  v.  14,  15.  Answer:  We 
think  the  minutes  of  former  Annual  Meetings  srive  a  sat- 
isfactory  answer  to  this  query. 

Art.  22.  Has  Bro.  E.  Heyser  a  right,  being  a  minister- 
ing brother,  to  receive  pay  from  the  government  for  teach- 
ing school  in  the  South,  under  the  employment  and  protec- 
tion of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as 
Bro.  Heyser  is  employed  by  the  government  in  teaching 
school,  and  not  in  preaching  the  gospel,  we  can  see  no  im- 
propriety in  the  government  paying  him  for  teaching. 

Art.  23.  Do  not  the  Scriptures  enjoin  fasting,  in  connec- 
tion with  prayer,  as  a  frequent  service?  and  will  not  this 
meeting  recommend  it,  as  a  means  of  promoting  a  higher 
degree  of  perfection  and  holiness?  Answer.  We  think 
that  according  to  the  Scripture  fasting,  in  connection  with 
prayer,  is  attended  with  great  advantages  to  those  who  ob- 
serve it,  and  we  earnestly  exhort  the  brethren  not  to  neg- 
lect this  duty  and  privilege,  as  a  private  institution  (Acts 
x.  30);  and  that  in  important  cases  it  should  be  enjoined, 
upon  the  members  as  a  means  of  sanctification  and  quali- 
fication for  important  duties.     Acts  xin.  1-3. 

Art.  24.  What  is  the  established  usage  of  the  church  in 
the  use  of  the  civil  law  in  collecting  debts,  etc.?  Is  it  alto- 
gether forbidden  ?     If  not,  what  is  the  extent  of  the  privi- 


326  MINUTES    OF 

lege  ?  If  it  is,  can  it  be  allowed  for  members,  and  especially 
ministers,  to  advise  persons  to  sue,  and  publish  a  notice  to 
their  creditors  that  if  their  bonds  are  not  paid  when  due 
they  will  be  coerced  by  law ?  Answer:  We  consider  it  is 
contrary  to  the  gospel,  as  understood  by  the  brethren,  to 
use  the  civil  law  in  collecting  debts,  or  in  any  other  case 
where  it  would  involve  strife  or  litigation.  Friendly  suits 
are  admitted,  when  the  case  is  decided  to  be  such  by  the 
council  of  the  church.  But  to  advise  others  to  sue,  or  to 
ptublish  that  we  will  sue,  is  inconsistent  with  our  principles, 
and  would  subject  a  brother  to  the  judgment  of  the  church, 
according  to  the  gospel.     (See  Matt.  v.  40  ;  Luke  vi.  29.) 

Art.  25.  Can  brethren  be  allowed  to  officiate  in  recon- 
structing the  government,  in  holding  elections,  and  partic- 
ipating in  conventions?  Answer:  We  consider  it  contrary 
to  the  gospel,  as  understood  by  the  brethren,  to  act  officially 
in  any  government  matter  whatever.     Luke  xvi.  13. 

Art.  26.  What  is  to  be  done  with  the  housekeeper  in  an 
arm  of  the  church,  w7ho  neglects  to  examine  the  applicant 
for  baptism,  as  laid  down  in  the  minutes  of  1848,  and  re- 
published in  the  minutes  of  1858?  Answer:  We  think 
the  elders  of  the  adjoining  churches  should  visit  the  house- 
keeper, and  admonish  him  to  proceed  according  to  the  or- 
der of  the  brethren,  as  laid  down  in  the  minutes. 

Art.  27.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  some  members  wTho  are 
dissatisfied  with  the  present  manner  of  washing  feet,  and 
think  that  the  one  that  washes  should  also  wipe,  can  not 
the  Annual  Meeting  grant  a  change,  and  bear  with  those 
that  wish  to  practice  as  they  understand  it  ?  Answer:  We 
consider  it  not  advisable  to  make  any  change  in  the  prac- 
tice of  feet-washing  as  heretofore  practiced  by  the  breth- 
ren. 

Art.  28.  Would  it  not  be  more  consistent  with  all  other 
rules  and  orders  of  the  brethren  to  elect  elders  by  votes, 
in  all  cases?  Answer:  We  consider  it  best  to  make  no 
change  in  the  general  manner  of  appointing  elders,  but  we 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  327 

think  cases  may  occur  when  the  church,  acting  in  concert 
with  the  elders  who  visit  a  church  to  ordain  an  elder,  may 
take  the  voice  of  the  church  in  which  the  ordination  is  to 
take  place,  to  know  which  of  the  ministering  brethren  in 
the  church  desires  to  be  ordained. 

Art.  29.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel  to  apply  the 
term  reverend  to  ministers  of  other  denominations,  or  to 
ourownbrethren,  either  in  speaking  or  writing?  Answer: 
We  consider  it  not  right  to  do  so,  siuce  it  is  applied  in  the 
Bible  alone  to  God. 

Art.  30.  Should  not  our  church  adopt  some  general  plan 
for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  as  the  duty  is  enjoined  upon 
her  by  the  Savior  himself?  And  does  not  an  efficient  plan 
imply  some  pecuniary  provision?  Answer:  This  Annual 
Meeting  hails  the  desire  to  have  the  gospel  spread,  and 
which  is  growing  among  the  brethren  as  a  favorable  indi- 
cation, and  it  would  encourage  this  and  recommend  to  the 
several  states  to  take  such  measures  as  a  prayerful  consid- 
eration of  the  subject  would  suggest,  to  engage  in  this  good 
work  ;  and  it  would  also  recommend  that  such  plans  be 
adopted  as  would  suggest  themselves  by  such  considera- 
tion, since  no  one  plan  can  now  be  united  upon,  hoping 
that,  as  the  work  progresses,  and  as  further  light  is  elicited 
by  reflection,  observation,  and  experience,  a  greater  and 
more  efficient  system  may  be  adopted.  In  the  meantime, 
let  whatever  is  done  be  done  according  to  the  spirit  and 
word  of  the  gospel,  as  work  done  in  any  other  way  will  not 
be  approved  by  the  Lord. 

Art.  31.  Should  not  the  Annual  Meeting  adopt  some 
definite  rule  with  regard  to  the  action  of  special  commit- 
tees asked  for  by  any  branch  of  the  church,  to  settle  mat- 
ters that  could  not  be  settled  otherwise  ?  Answer :  Whereas, 
it  is  the  privilege  of  any  branch  of  the  church,  or  member, 
to  have  a  committee  when  asked  for,  such  committee  should 
have  full  power  to  dispose  of  any  case  submitted  to  it,  pro- 
vided the  usual  methods  have  been  resorted  to  previously; 


328  MINUTES    OF 

and  when  settled  by  such  committee,  the  decision  shall  be 
final.  Acts  xv.  22.  (The  five  following  articles  were  de- 
ferred to  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  and  will  be  acted  upon 
as  the  first  business  of  said  meeting.  The  first  four  are  an- 
swered by  the  district-meeting  from  which  they  came,  and 
have  only  the  authority  of  the  district-meeting,  and  the  an- 
swers are  subject  to  any  change  the  Annual  Meeting  may 
make,  before  they  have  the  authority  of  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing. To  the  fifth  or  last  question  no  answer  was  given  by 
the  district-meeting  from  which  it  came.  The  Annual 
Meeting  directed  these  articles  to  be  put  on  the  minutes.) 

Art.  32.  Do  the  words  of  the  Savior,"  Except  for  forni- 
cation," as  they  stand  connected  with  his  other  language, 
in  the  ninth  verse  of  the  nineteenth  chapter  of  Matthew, 
annul  the  marriage  covenant  or  contract,  or  do  they  only 
suspend  it  until  fruits  worthy  of  repentance  are  manifested 
on  the  part  of  the  transgressor — to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
church.  Considered  by  this  meeting  that  the  words  in 
question  do  annul  the  marriage  contract.     Referred. 

Art.  33.  Art.  40,  on  the  minutes  of  the  Yearly  Meeting 
for  1865,  being  in  relation  to  raising  money  by  taxation — 
considered  by  this  district-meeting  that  the  article  should 
be  reconsidered  by  the  Yearly  Meeting,  inasmuch  as  this 
district-meeting  concluded  that  it  is  not  contrary  to  the 
gospel  to  raise  funds  by  taxation,  provided  all  the  members 
in  the  same  church  are  agreed  to  do  so ;  but  a  noncompli- 
ance should  not  be  a  test  of  fellowship.     Eeferred. 

Art.  34.  Art.  8,  as  it  stands  on  the  minutes  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting  for  1866,  relates  to  a  brother  who  had  expressed  a 
desire  to  be  re-baptized.  Considered  by  this  district-meet- 
ing that  the  case  be  referred  to  the  church  in  which  it  ex- 
ists, and  the  brethren  there  be  authorized  by  the  Yearly 
Meeting  to  proceed  as  the  nature  of  the  case  may  require. 
Referred. 

Art.  35.  Is  it  considered  expedient  for  brethren  to  join 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  329 

debating  schools  or  lyceums  ?  Considered  by  this  meeting 
that  it  is  not  expedient  for  brethren  to  do  so.     Referred. 

Art.  36.  A  man,  having  a  wife,  and  she  leaves  him  and 
takes  up  with  several  other  men,  one  of  whom  is  compelled 
by  law  to  marry  her ;  and  some  time  after  this  the  first- 
mentioned  man  marries  a  single  woman,  and  this  woman 
made  application  to  be  received  into  the  church,  and  the 
circumstances,  as  given  above,  not  being  known  by  the 
church,  she  was  baptized  ;  and  then  her  husband  also  made 
application  to  be  received.  We  desire  the  judgment  of  the 
Annual  Meeting,  whether  this  woman  can  be  retained  in 
the  church,  and  whether  her  husband  can  be  received? 

The  following  committees  were  appointed  by  the  meet- 
ing by  request :  1.  A  committee  to  visit  the  Paint  Creek 
and  "White  Oak  churches  in  southern  Ohio.  The  follow- 
ing brethren  were  appointed  :  II.  D.  Davy,  J.  P.  Ebersole, 
John  Ilershey,  John  Frantz,  Peter  Xead,  and  James  Quin- 
ter.  2.  For  Cherry  Grove,  Carroll  County,  Illinois,  Sam- 
uel Gerber,  Michael  Sisler,'and  Martin  Myers.  3.  For  the 
Brush  Creek  Church,  Maryland,  David  Long,  David  Bos- 
serman,  and  Henry  Koontz.  4.  For  the  Ridge  Church, 
Cumberland  Count}',  Pennsylvania,  Moses  Miller,  D.  Bos- 
serman,  J.  G.  Glock,  Joseph  Hanawalt,  and  Andrew  Mil- 
ler. 5.  For  Xew  Hope  Church,  Augusta  County,  Virginia, 
Daniel  Thomas,  Jacob  Miller,  and  Isaac  Long.  6.  For  Ot- 
ter Creek  Church,  Macoupin  County,  Illinois,  J.  R.  Gish, 
John  Fitz,  Jacob  Negley. 

A  request  from  the  brethren  in  Elkhart  County,  Indiana, 
for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1868,  was  made  and  granted. 
Accordingly,  the  Lord  willing,  the  next  Annual  Meeting 
will  be  with  the  brethren  above  named. 

After  a  season  of  devotional  exercises  the  meeting  ad- 
journed. 

J.  QUINTER.       1   ,-,,      , 
D.P.SAYLER,/ClerkS- 

n.  D.  Davy,  Moderator. 


330  MINUTES   OF 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1868. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  the  2d  of  June,  an  unusually  large 
number  of  brethren  being  present,  after  the  devotional  ex- 
ercises, the  following  brethren  were  announced  as  forming 
the  standing  committee  :  John  P.  Ebersole,  Daniel  Miller, 
Henry  D.  Davy,  James  Quinter,  B.  F.  Moomaw,  Daniel 
Thomas,  Jacob  Wine,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Isaac  Pfoutz,  David 
Long,  Conrod  J.  Lint,  Daniel  M .  Holsinger,  Joseph  Rohrer, 
David  Bechtelheimer,  Jacob  Miller,  Daniel  Bowman,  F. 
P.  Loehr,  Christian  Long,  John  Metzger,  Samuel  Lehman, 
John  Wise,  Jacob  Brower,  Abraham  lieplogle,  and  Henry 
Brubaker.  Bro.  H.  Kurtz  and  Peter  Nead  were  invited 
to  be  present  with  the  standing  committee.  The  meeting 
was  then  regularly  organized  by  appointing  H.  D.  Davy, 
moderator,  James  Quinter,  first  clerk,  D.  P.  Sayler,  second 
clerk,  and  Jacob  Miller,  door-keeper.  It  was  then  ascer- 
tained that  the  following  state  districts  were  represented  : 
Virginia,  district  No.  1,  No.  2,  and  No.  3;  Maryland,  the 
eastern  and  the  western  district ;  Pennsylvania,  the  eastern, 
the  middle,  and  the  western  district ;  Ohio,  the  northwest- 
ern, the  southern,  and  the  eastern  ;  Indiana,  the  southern, 
the  middle,  and  the  northern  district;  Michigan;  Illinois, 
the  northern  and  the  southern  district ;  Iowa,  Tennessee, 
Wisconsin,  and  Kansas.  The  delegates  then,  as  they  were 
called,  presented  their  papers,  and  the  following  articles 
were  found  to  constitute  the  business  before  the  meeting. 
These  were  prayerfully  considered  and  answered  as  the 
Scripture,  reason,  and  experience  seemed  to  require.  (The 
first  five  articles  acted  upon  were  referred  from  the  last 
meeting  to  the  present.) 

Article  1.  Do  the  words  of  the  Savior,  "Except  for  for- 
nication," as  they  stand  connected  with  his  other  language, 
in  the  ninth  verse  of  the  nineteenth  chapter  of  Matthew, 
annul  the  mairiage  covenant  or  contract,  or  do  they  only 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         331 

suspend  it  until  fruits  worthy  of  repentance  are  manifested 
on  the  part  of  the  transgressor — to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
church?  Considered,  by  this  meeting  that  the  words  in 
question  do  annul  the  marriage  contract.  Answer:  We 
postpone  this  question  indefinitely,  but  advise  the  churches 
to  proceed  cautiously  when  they  have  cases  of  this  charac- 
ter to  act  upon. 

Art.  2.  The  second  query  asked  for  a  reconsideration  of 
Art.  40,  of  1865,  being  in  relation  to  raising  money  by  tax- 
ation. Answer  :  Though  it  may  not  be  contrary  to  the 
gospel  to  raise  funds  by  taxation,  yet  we  think  it  is  not  ex- 
pedient to  do  so.  But  we  do  believe  that  brethren  should, 
in  all  their  contributions  to  promote  benevolent  or  chari- 
table causes  in  the  church  of  Christ,  contribute,  as  a  general 
gospel  rale,  according  to  what  God  has  blessed  them  with. 

Art.  3.  This  query  refers  to  Art.  8,  of  1866,  and  relates 
to  a  brother  who  wished  to  be  re-baptized.  Answer:  In- 
asmuch as  we  are  informed  that  the  case  to  which  this  ar- 
ticle refers  was  disposed  of  in  the  church  in  which  it  oc- 
curred, we  think  it  best  to  give  it  no  further  consideration 
at  present. 

Art.  4.  Is  it  considered  expedient  for  brethren  to  join 
debating  schools  or  lyceums?  Answer:  We  think  it  not 
expedient  for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  5.  A  man,  having  a  wife,  and  she  leaves  him  and 
takes  up  with  several  other  men,  one  of  whom  is  compelled 
by  law  to  marry  her ;  and  some  time  after  this  the  first- 
mentioned  man  marries  a  single  woman,  and  this  woman 
made  application  to  be  received  into  the  church,  and  the 
circumstances,  as  given  above,  not  being  known  by  the 
church,  she  was  baptized  ;  and  then  her  husband  also  made 
application  to  be  received.  We  desire  the  judgment  of  the 
Annual  Meeting,  whether  this  woman  can  be  retained  in 
the  church,  and  whether  her  husband  can  be  received. 
Answer:  We  refer  this  question  back  to  the  church  in 
which  it  originated. 


332  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  6.  Would  it  not  be  better,  and  more  in  accordance 
with  the  sentiments  of  a  majority  of  the  brethren,  to  change 
our  present  manner  of  appointing  the  standing  committee 
of  our  Annual  Meeting,  so  that  each  district-meeting  elect 
some  one  of  the  bishops  within  the  district  to  constitute  one 
of  said  committee  ?  And  would  it  not  also  be  better  to  give 
the  committee  liberty,  after  it  has  elected  its  moderator,  to 
elect  its  clerks  and  other  officers  from  the  body  of  the  mem- 
bers present,  rather  than  confine  it  in  its  choice  to  its  own 
members  ?     Answer :  We  think  it  would  be  better  so  to  do. 

Art.  7.  In  choosing  a  brother  to  the  ministry,  would  it 
not  be  nearer  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  to  cast  lots  for  one 
among  those  having  received  votes,  than  the  way  we  have 
been  proceeding  heretofore?  Answer:  We  judge  it  best 
to  make  no  change  at  present  in  electing  our  church  offi- 
cers. 

Art.  8.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  to  restrict  a 
brother  from  preaching  that  which  a  branch  of  the  body 
is  permitted  to  preach  and  practice,  and  which  is  repre- 
sented at  the  Annual  Meeting  from  year  to  year,  and  is  ac- 
knowledged as  being  in  full  fellowship /with  the  church? 
Answer:  In  restricting  a  brother  in  his  liberty  of  preach- 
ing the  "gospel,  we  must  not  be  governed  by  what  any 
branch  of  the  church  may  preach  or  practice,  but  we  must 
be  governed  by  what  a  brother  preaches,  and  by  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  preaches.  The  apostolic  precept,  "Let  all 
things  be  done  unto  edification,"  is  a  rule  to  be  observed 
in  preaching  as  in  every  thing  else. 

Art.  9.  When  ministers  of  other  denominations  join  the 
brethren,  can  they  be  received  as  ministers  in  any  other 
way  but  in  the  regular  order  of  the  church  ?  Answer :  We 
deem  it  not  prudent  to  receive  them  in  any  other  way. 

Art.  10.  Inasmuch  as  the  questions  whether  the  same 
member  that  washes  feet  should  not  also  wipe,  came  up 
again  at  our  district-meeting,  we  request  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing, and  the  brotherhood  throughout,  to  take  this  subject 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  o3l» 

into  serious  consideration.  Answer:  We  think  it  well  to 
comply  with  the  foregoing  request,  and  also  to  appoint  a 
committee  to  visit  those  churches  in  which  to  practice  the 
ordinance  of  feet-washing  differently  to  the  general  order 
of  the  brotherhood. 

Art.  11.  Inasmuch  as  in  some  of  the  churches,  or  dis- 
tricts, the  visiting  brethren  (deacons)  are  permitted  to  rise 
up  in  meeting  to  exhort,  and  even  to  preach,  while  in  other 
churches,  or  districts,  they  are  taught  not  to  rise,  but  to 
bear  testimony  to  the  truth  and  to  exhort  while  sitting,  and 
are  not  allowed  to  rise  for  that  purpose.  As  the  Yearly 
Meeting  of  1835  has  defined  the  duties  in  Art.  4,  it  is  agreed 
to  refer  this  subject  to  the  Annual  Council  for  reconsider- 
ation. Answer  :  We  think  it  best  to  make  no  change  from 
the  present  order. 

Art.  12.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  person  who  makes 
application  to  come  into  the  church,  confessing  that  he  has 
truly  repented,  received  faith  in  Christ,  and  upon  that  faith 
has  been  baptized  by  a  trine  immersion  for  the  remission 
of  his  sins  by  another  denomination  ?  Answer :  We  think  it 
best  to  make  no  change  in  reference  to  the  subject  alluded  to 
in  the  article,  from  the  present  order  of  the  brethren.  (See 
Minutes  of  1848,  Art.  5.) 

Art.  13.  Would  it  not  promote  the  profit  and  edification 
of  the  annual  visit  to  the  members  of  the  churches  to  have 
a  season  of  devotion,  consisting  of  prayer  and  such  other 
exercises  as  those  who  make  the  visit  may  feel  at  liberty  to 
perform,  in  each  family,  when  the  circumstances  will  ad- 
mit of  it  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  would  promote  the  edi- 
fication of  the  members  of  the  church  to  do  so,  and  that 
when  convenient  it  ought  to  be  done. 

Art.  14.  As  the  Annual  Meeting  has  given  the  liberty 
to  hold  Sabbath-schools,  it  is  particularly  requested  that 
this  Annual  Meeting  give  a  full  and  definite  answer  to  the 
last  question  in  Art.  1,  minutes  of  1862,  that  there  may  be 
a  uniformity  of  practice  among  the  brethren  who  hold,  or- 


334  MINUTES    OF 

who  wish  to  hold,  Sabbath-schools.  Answer:  We  advise 
that,  where  the  nature  of  the  ease  will  admit  of  it,  for 
brethren  to  hold  Sabbath-schools,  and  such  schools  should 
be  opened  by  singing  and  prayer,  and  closed  by  singing  or 
by  prayer,  as  it  may  be  thought  proper,  and  they  should  be 
superintended  by  brethren.  And  we  advise  the  brethren 
to  be  very  careful  in  introducing  books,  to  introduce  none 
that  inculcate  doctrines  contrary  to  the  gospel.  And  we 
further  advise  that  brethren  avoid  taking  part  in  or  encour- 
aging the  Sabbath-school  celebrations,  common  in  the 
world. 

Art.  15.  Can  there  not  be  a  more  scriptural  answer  on 
the  article  of  going  on  stands  to  preach,  than  that  passed 
in  our  Annual  Meeting  in  1866,  Art.  23-?  Answer:  We 
can  give  no  better  answer  to  it  than  that  already  given  in 
the  minutes  of  1866,  Art.  23. 

Art.  16.  How  is  it  considered  for  brethren  to  open  their 
doors,  or  give  consent  that  fallen  teachers  should  preach 
in  their  houses,  or  to  attend  their  meetings,  etc.  ?  Answer  : 
We  consider  it  wrong  to  open  our  houses  for  such  to  preach 
in,  to  attend  their  meetings,  or  to  do  any  thing  whatever 
to  encourage  them  to  preach. 

Art.  17.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided 
that  brethren  may  engage  in  merchandizing,with  no  other  re- 
striction than  that  they  are  not  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors 
should  any  other  restrictions  be  added,  and  if  so,  what  are 
they  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  best  to  refer  this  question 
back  to  the  district-meeting  from  which  it  came. 

Art.  18.  Whereas,  there  is  a  difficulty  in  introducing 
the  new  hymn-book  among  the  brethren  where  the  Ger- 
man language  is  yet  used,  as  there  are  none  that  contain 
both  English  and  German  hymns,  would  it  not  therefore 
be  advisable  to  revise  the  German  hymn-book,  and  make 
a  small  collection  of  the  choicest  German  hymns,  and  com- 
bine them  with  the  English  book,  and  thus  have  jsome 
books  containing  both  English  and  German  hymns,  to 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  335 

meet  the  wants  of  our  German  members  and  avoid  the 
necessity  of  having  more  than  one  book  in  the  church? 
Answer:  We  consider  it  advisable  to  do  so,  and  appoint 
the  following  brethren  as  a  committee  to  select  a  number 
of  German  hymns,  not  exceeding  two  hundred,  to  be  added 
to  as  many  of  the  English  books  as  it  is  necessary  to  sup- 
ply the  wants  of  the  German  brethren  :  Paul  Wetzel,  Henry 
Kurtz,  F.  P.  Loehr,  and  D.  M.  Ilolsinger. 

Art.  19.  As  there  are  some  members  who  do  not  heed  to 
the  admonition  given  by  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1866,  Art. 
27,  will  this  meeting  come  to  some  plan  that  all  the  churches 
will  carry  out  said  admonition  ?  Answer:  Considered  the 
duty  of  each  church  to  heed  the  instructions  of  the  Annual 
Meeting,  in  any  one  or  all  of  the  different  cases  therein 
named. 

Art.  20.  Will  this  meetiug  consider  the  query  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1866,  Art.  47,  allowing  brethren  three 
certain  modes  of  wearing  their  hair?  And,  if  approved  of, 
we  wish  this  meeting  to  give  gospel  for  the  same.  An- 
swer:  Considered,  that  in  absence  of  direct  Scripture,  it  is 
well  for  the  younger  to  be  subject  to  the  older. 

Art.  21.  Our'Annual  Meeting  has,  on  different  occasions, 
decided  in  favor  of  adopting  some  plan  for  a  more  exten- 
sive spread  of  the  gospel ;  we,  therefore,  request  this  meet- 
ing to  adopt  the  plan  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1858,  Art. 
58,  or  some  other  one.  Answer:  This  meeting  adopts  the 
report  presented  to  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1860.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  report  referred  to :  "  The  committee  appointed 
at  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1859,  Art.  28,  to  propose  some 
plan  to  the  present  meeting,  by  which  the  brotherhood  in 
general  may  take  some  part  in  the  good  work  of  the  Lord, 
in  preaching  the  gospel  more  generally,  reports  as- follows: 
Whereas,  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  to  every  creature  is 
a  command  of  Christ,  since  he  said  to  his  disciples,  '  Go  ye 
into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature ' 
(Mark  xvi.  15),  and,  therefore,  a  duty  enjoined  upoh  all  his 


336  MINUTES    OF 

disciples,  hence  it  needs  no  argument  in  its  defense.  The 
only  point  to  be  considered,  is:  How  shall  it  be  done? 
Now,  St.  Paul  says:  'Who  goeth  a  warfare  anytime  at  his 
own  charges?'  (I.  Cor.  ix.  7);  and  as  the  Lord  Jesus  gave 
every  man  his  work,  as  well  as  his  servants  authority  (Mark 
xiii.  34) :  'For  the  Son  of  Man  is  as  a  man  taking  a  far 
journey,  who  left  his  house,  and  gave  authority  to  his  serv- 
ants, and  to  every  man  his  work,'  it  is,  therefore,  evident 
that  he  did  not  mean  that  his  ministering  servants  should 
be  burdened  with  the  duty  of  preaching  his  word,  and  also 
bearing  the  expenses  incurred  in  traveling  from  place  to 
place,  while  all  the  members  of  the  body  remain  idle. 
The  committee  understands  the  Lord  Jesus  to  mean  that 
the  church,  his  body  on  earth  (I.  Cor.  xn.  27),  shall,  unitedly,, 
preach  his  gospel  in  all  the  world,  by  the  ministry,  through 
the  Holy  Ghost;  and,  therefore,  the  church  should  pray 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest  to  send  forth  laborers;  for  so  Jesus 
commanded  his  disciples,  saying:  'The  harvest  truly  is 
plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are  few;  pray  ye,  therefore,  the 
Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  will  send  forth  laborers  into 
his  harvest.'  Matt.  ix.  37,  38.  And  it  appears  from  the 
following  account,  in  Acts  xiii.  2,  3,  that  this  was  the  prac- 
tice of  the  apostolic  church :  'As  they  ministered  to  the 
Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy  Ghost  said,  Separate  me  Barna- 
bas and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto  I  have  called  them. 
And  when  they  had  fasted  and  prayed,  and  laid  their  hands 
on  them,  they  sent  them  away.'  And,  in  view  of  the  above 
considerations,  the  committee  offers  the  following  advice: 
That  the  churches  of  the  brotherhood  form  themselves  into 
districts,  the  brethren  in  those,  districts  to  meet,  as  often  as 
they  may  judge  it  necessary,  to  transact  their  business; 
that  each  of  said  districts  have  its'treasury,  and  each  one  of 
the  churches  which  form  said  districts  have  its  treasury,  the 
former  to  be  supplied  out  of  the  latter,  and  the  latter  to  be 
supplied  by  weekly  contributions,  as  directed  by  the  Apos- 
tle Paul  (I.  Cor.  xvi.  2),  'Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN,         337 

let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God  has  pros- 
pered him,  that  there  be  no  gathering  when  I  come,'  a  plan 
for  raising  pecuniary  funds,  of  divine  appointment,  and  is 
one  which  commends  itself  to  our  acceptance,  both  from  its 
authority  and  excellency.  And  in  order  that  the  funds  col- 
lected may  be  the  most  judiciously,  satisfactorily,  and 
economically  applied,  we  advise  that  each  sub- district  or 
church  appoint  at  least  one  delegate  to  attend  the  general 
district-meetings,  and  that  these  meetings  so  dispose  of  the 
funds  collected  as  they  shall  judge  most  conducive  to  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls.  And  in  order  to 
preserve  a  proper  harmony  between  all  the  congregations 
of  the  brotherhood,  we  further  advise  that  each  general 
district-meeting  send  a  delegate  to  the  Annual  Meeting, 
and,  by  the  delegate,  a  report  of  its  proceedings,  that  all 
such  proceedings  may  be  in  harmony  with  the  regulations, 
as  made  by  the  brethren  assembled  in  Annual  Council,  and 
subject  to  the  inspection  and  control  of  that  body.  And 
in  case  any  demands  of  a  general  character  for  evangelists 
are  made,  sufficiently  so  to  require  the  action  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting,  then,  in  that  case,  the  funds  needed  to  defray 
the  expenses  of  said  evangelists  shall  be  drawn  from  the 
treasuries  of  the  several  districts.  And,  as  the  conviction 
of  mind  seems  to  be  general  among  the  brethren,  that 
greater  exertion  should  be  made  by  the  brotherhood  to 
have  the  gospel  preached  in  every  place,  the  committee 
would  remind  the  ministry  that  the  foregoing  plan  is  by  no 
means  designed  to  supersede  the  labors  of  our  ministers  in 
their  individual  capacities.  But  we  recommend  to  all  our 
preachers  to  labor  as  they  have  been  accustomed  to  do, 
without  money  and  without  price,  as  far  as  their  circum- 
stances will  permit  them  to  do  so,  showing,  as  they  have 
hitherto  done  in  a  remarkable  degree,  the  Christian  grace 
of  self-denial — a  grace  which  shone  brightly  in  the  life  of 
our  divine  Master,  and  which  occupies  a  prominent  place 

in  his  teaching.     We  further  recommend  to  all  our  preach- 
22 


338  MINUTES    OF 

ers  to  submit  the  above  plan  to  their  congregations,  hoping 
that  it  will  meet  with  their  acceptance.  All  of  which  is 
respectfully  submitted  by  the  committee:  D.  P.  Sayler, 
John  Kline,  John  Metzger,  James  Quinter." 

Art.  22.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  order  of  the  breth- 
ren for  the  standing  committee  of  the  Annual  Meeting  to 
appoint  elders  to  preside  over  a  district,  without  the  knowl- 
edge or  consent  of  said  district?  Answer:  We  think  the 
standing  committee  has  a  right,  under  certain  circum- 
stances, to  do  so. 

Art.  23.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel,  and  the  order 
of  the  brethren,  for  our  ministers  to  teach,  at  our  love- 
feasts,  that  members  are  justifiable  in  absenting  themselves 
from  the  communion,  after  they  have  had  their  feet  washed 
and  partaken  of  the  Lord's  Supper?  If  this  is  not  right, 
what  should  be  done  with  members  who  will  do  so  without 
giving  any  reason  ?  Answer:  It  is  wrong  to  do  as  inti- 
mated above,  and  more  wrong  still  to  teach  it,  and  it  should 
be  neither  taught  nor  done. 

Art.  24.  Would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  the 
example  of  Christ  and  his  disciples,  when  the  admin- 
istrator is  blessing  the  bread  and  wine  in  the  communion, 
for  all  the  members  to  keep  their  seats?  Answer:  Inas- 
much as  it  is  not  said  that  Christ  did  not  rise  to  his  feet, 
and  as  it  has  been  the  order  of  the  brethren  to  rise  when 
we  give  thanks,  we  think  it  best  to  make  no  change. 

Art.  25.  Shall  district-meetings  be  held  openly  before  the 
world,  or  before  the  church  only?  Answer:  We  think  it 
best  to  hold  our  district-meetings  as  private  meetings,  but 
not  so  much  so  as  to  exclude  any  persons  friendly  to  the 
brethren. 

Art.  26.  Can  brethren,  who  do  not  possess  the  qualifica- 
tions for  deacons,  required  by  the  Apostle  Paul  to  Timothy 
(I.  Tim.  iil),  hold  that  oflice?  Answer:  We  think  they 
can  not. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         339 

The  following  committees  were  appointed  by  the  stand- 
ing committee:  1.  For  Marshall  County,  Indiana,  Yellow 
River  Church,  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  Jacob  Berkey, 
and  David  Bechtelheimer.  2.  For  Tippecanoe  Church, 
Indiana,  Abraham  Airbaugh,  David  Miller,  Jacob  Miller, 
Jacob  Flory,  Jacob  Berkey,  and  F.  P.  Loehr.  3.  The  same 
committee  will  go  to  Eel  River  congregation,  Indiana. 
4.  For  Cedar  Creek  congregation,  DeKalb  County,  Indiana, 
Daniel  Brower,  Allen  County,  Ohio,  Jacob  Wagner,  Joseph 
McCarty,  and  John  Brown.  5.  For  Macoupin  County, 
Illinois,  Joh n  Metzger,  Christian  Long,  Henry  Davy,  Joseph 
Hendricks,  and  Samuel  Lehman.  6.  For  Marshall  County, 
Iowa,  John  Wise,  Samuel  Gerber,  George  Baker,  and  Elias 
K.  Beeghly.  7.  For  Philadelphia  and  Germantown,  D.  P. 
Sayler,  H.  D.  Davy,  James  Quinter,  Daniel  Thomas,  and 
Moses  Miller.  8.  For  Salamony  Church,  Indiana,  H.  D. 
Davy,  Daniel  Brower,  John  P.  Ebersole,  John  Metzger, 
and  Jacob  Berkey.  9.  A  committee  to  Somerset  County, 
Pennsylvania,  Tobias  Blouch,  Abraham  Stutzman,  and  D. 
M.  Holsinger.  10.  A  committee  to  the  Rock  Pun  and 
Elkhart  churches,  Indiana,  H.  D.  Davy,  Daniel  Miller,  J. 
P.  Ebersole,  John  Metzger,  and  Michael  Shotz.  11.  To 
the  Xewton 'Church,  Miami  County,  Ohio,  Nathan  Hey- 
wood,  George  Holler,  Joseph  Eesor,  and  Isaac  Miller.  12. 
To  Pine  Creek  -Church,  Indiana,  Jacob  Berkey,  Christ. 
AVenger,  Ab.  Witmer,  and  Jacob  Miller.  13.  To  Wad- 
dam's  Grove,  Illinois,  Michael  Sisler,  Martin  Meyers,  and 
David  E.  Price. 

There  were  two  requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting,  one 
from  Virginia,  for  the  meeting  in  1869,  and  one  from  Iowa, 
in  1870.  The  request  from  Virginia,  for  the  meeting  in 
1869,  was  granted,  and  the  next  Annual  Meeting,  the  Lord 
willing,  will  be  held  in  Virginia.  The  corresponding  breth- 
ren in  the  congregation  in  which  it  will  be  held,  and  other 


340  MINUTES    OF 

desirable  information,  will  be  given  in  due  time  through 
our  periodicals. 

After  exhortation,  singing,  and  prayer,  the  meeting  ad- 
journed. 

James  Quinter,  \     rlprl__ 
D.  P.  Sayler,     j      ^lerk&- 

H.  D.  Davy,  Moderator. 


AXXCiAL  MEETING  OF  1869. 

A  considerable  number  of  brethren  assembled  in  the 
neighborhood  in  which  the  general  council-meeting  was  to 
be  held  some  days  before  the  time  for  meeting.  The  breth- 
ren around  in  various  places  availed  themselves  of  the  op- 
portunity afforded  them  for  preaching,  and  quite  a  number 
of  meetings  were  held,  to  the  edification  of  the  brethren, 
and,  also,  it  is  hoped,  to  the  good  of  others. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  meeting  was  organized,  and 
opened  with  devotional  exercises,  after  which  it  proceeded 
to  business. 

The  following  subjects  were  presented  to  the  meeting, 
and  acted  upon  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  with  the  con- 
clusions herein  stated : 

Article  1.  Whereas,  there  have  been  certain  petitions 
from  southern  Ohio  presented  to  this  Annual  Meeting,  and 
which  have  been  extensively  circulated  through  the  broth- 
erhood, wherein  the  petitioners  have  set  forth  certain  griev- 
ances, and  desire  some  change  or  modification  in  holding 
the  Annual  Meeting,  and,  also,  in  certain  practices  among 
the  brethren ;  and,  whereas,  this  Annual  Meeting  desires  to 
maintain  all  the  practices  and  ordinances  of  Christianity 
in  their  simplicity  and  purity,  and  to  promote  the  "unity 
of  the  spirit  in  the  bonds  of  peace;"  therefore,  though  it 
can  not  grant  the  changes  and  objects  desired  by  the  peti- 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  341 

tioners  to  the  full  extent  petitioned  for,  it  will  make  the 
following  changes  in  the  manner  of  holding  the  Annual 
Meeting,  and  endeavor  to  guard,  with  increased  vigilance, 
against  the  abuse  of  the  practices  referred  to  in  the  supple- 
ment, by  advising  and  urging  the  brethren  to  observe  the 
cautions  and  directions  in  reference  to  said  practices,  as 
hereinafter  stated  :  1.  In  relation  to  the  appointing  of  the 
standing  committee,  we  advise  that  the  district-meetings 
select  old,  experienced,  and  established  brethren;  and  that 
in  signing  the  minutes  we  advise  that  a  suitable  number  of 
•elders  sign  them,  but  not  as  members  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee, and  the  signers  need  not  be  confined  to  the  com- 
mittee. "We  also  advise  that  the  minutes  be  read  to  all  at 
the  close  of  the  meeting,  provided  there  is  time,  and  it  be 
found  practicable  to  do  so,  and  that  the  term  "moderator," 
as  applied  to  the  brother  who  keeps  order,  be  dropped. 
2.  In  relation  to  holding  protracted  meetings  for  worship, 
we  feel  much  impressed  with  the  propriety  of  conducting 
said  meetings  in  strict  accordance  with  the  gospel ;  that  all 
disorder  and  improper  excitement  should  be  avoided ;  that 
care  should  be  taken  that  the  understanding  be  enlightened, 
as  well  as  the  passions  awakened ;  that  on  all  occasions, 
when  candidates  for  church  membership  are  visited  and 
examined,  they  be  dealt  with  as  the  gospel  seems  to  re- 
quire, and  as  the  order  of  the  brethren  has  sanctioned; 
that  'in  noticing  the  success  of  preaching,  we  advise  that 
the  number  of  additions  to  the  churches  be  omitted.  3. 
In  relation  to  Sabbath-schools,  we  feel  the  great  necessity 
of  guarding  against  the  prevailing  manner  in  which  these 
schools  are  conducted;  of  cautioning  the  brethren  who 
take  any  part  in  them  against  having  festivals,  or  any  thing 
of  the  kind  that  does  not  comport  with  the  spirit  of  Chris- 
tianity, which  such  schools  are  designed  to  promote;  that 
care  be  taken  lest  pride  be  taught  rather  than  humility, 
and  that  nothing  be  encouraged  thereby  that  will  conflict 
with  the  established  order  and  character  of  the  brethren  * 


342  MINUTES   OF 

and  that  care  should  be  taken  that  no  offense  be  given  to 
the  brethren  in  these  things.  4.  In  reference  to  the  con- 
troversial articles  published  in  our  religious  papers,  we. 
counsel  and  advise  our  brethren  Quinter  &  Kurtz,  and  H. 
R.  Holsinger,  to  publish  nothing  in  their  periodicals  that 
disputes  the  practice  of  the  precepts  and  ordinances  of  the 
gospel,  as  handed  down  to  us  from  Christ  and  the  apostles, 
through  and  by  the  forefathers  of  the  church;  and  that 
Brethren  Xead,  Kinsey,  and  all  the  brethren  who  write,  be 
cautioned  upon  this  head,  and  are  hereby  given  to  under- 
stand that  a  disregard  to  this  counsel  will  subject  a  brother 
to  the  counsel  of  the  church.  5.  In  reference  to  prayer- 
meetings,  social  meetings,  and  Bible  classes,  we  would  say, 
that  we  advise  the  brethren  to  be  very  careful  in  conduct- 
ing such  meetings,  when  they  have  been  introduced,  and 
to  conduct  them  not  after  the  prevailing  custom  of  the  re- 
ligious world,  but  in  the  order  that  the  brethren  conduct 
their  meetings  for  worship;  that  brethren  be  cautioned 
against  introducing  such  meetings  where  their  introduc- 
tion would  cause  confusion  or  trouble  in  the  churches,  and 
that  elders  always  be  consulted  in  introducing  such 
meetings. 

Art.  2.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  last  Annual 
Meeting  to  visit  the  Philadelphia  and  Germantown  churches, 
reported,  and  the  following  is  the  part  of  the  report  judged 
necessary  to  be  entered  upon  the  minutes,  it  being  the  re- 
sult of  the  conference  between  the  committee  and  said 
churches :  '*  Whereas,  the  brethren  of  the  Philadelphia  and 
Germantown  churches  seem  to  feel  assured  that  the  prac- 
tice of  feet-washing  in  said  churches  has  always  been  in  the 
single  mode,  we  find  it  necessary  to  bear  with  one  another, 
and  will  do  so,  provided  you  restore  the  old  order  of  the 
brethren,  in  having  a  full  supper  at  communion  meeting, 
the  salutation  of  the  kiss  at  the  same  time,  and  the  prac- 
tice of  the  two  brethren  praying  at  the  commencement  and 
close  of  our  general  meetings  for  worship,  where  there  are 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    TIIE    BRETHREN  343 

two  brethren  present,  concluding  each  prayer  with  the 
Lord's  Prayer.  If  you  will  agree  to  this,  we  will  report  to 
the  Annual  Meeting  accordingly.  This  was  the  last  propo- 
sition submitted  by  the  committee  to  said  churches,  and 
was  accepted,  with  the  qualification,  as  far  as  practicable. 
We  are  happy  to  believe  its  acceptance  will  be  a  step  to- 
ward a  more  complete  union  between  the  churches  we  met 
in  conference  and  the  general  brotherhood.  The  foregoing 
report  is  respectfully  submitted  to  the  Annual  Meeting, 
with  the  hope  that  it  will  take  such  action  upon  the  sub- 
ject as  will  further  the  blessed  cause  of  truth  and  right- 
eousness. Signed  by  the  committee:  D.  P.  Sayler,  H.  D. 
Davy,  J.  Quinter,  B.  F.  Moomaw,  M.  Miller."'  This  An- 
nual Meeting  accepts,  for  the  present,  the  foregoing  report, 
with  the  clause,  "as  far  as  practicable,"  stricken  out. 

Report  of  the  brethren  appointed  by  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  visit  the  brethren  in  Adams  and  Hancock  counties, 
Illinois:  "Upon  conferring  with  them,  aud  investigating 
the  subject  of  difference  in  the  practice  of  feet-washing,  we 
found  that  in  presenting  their  papers  to  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing in  1859,  they  reserved  the  right  to  themselves  of  prac- 
ticing feet-washing  as  they  did  before,  and  thereby  the 
Annual  Meeting  got  a  wrong  impression  ;  aud,  furthermore, 
what  confirmed  that  impression  was  this:  they  agreed  in 
the  paper  above  alluded  to,  to  give  and  take  counsel,  and 
did  not  state  to  the  Annual  Meeting  their  reservation  in 
the  practice  of  feet-washing.  We  found,  in  our  conference 
with  them,  that  they  are  still  willing  to  abide  by  the  com- 
promise made  in  1856,  and  fellowship  the  brethren  as  it 
was  then  agreed  upon  by  the  Annual  Meeting.  And  we 
further  got  an  expression  from  them,  that  they  have 
adopted,  and  will  adopt,  the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing in  full,  except  in  the  practice  of  feet-washing.  And, 
as  we  learned  by  investigation,  that  there  was  a  misunder- 
standing between  the  parties,  we  laid  down  our  power  in- 
vested in  us  by  the  Annual  Meeting  to  communicate,  and 


344  MINUTES    OF 

return  our  report  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  that  it  may  act 
as  it  sees  fit  in  the  premises.  And  we  further  have  to  say, 
that  we  were  kindly  met  and  received  by  the  brethren  and 
sisters  in  Adams  and  Hancock  counties,  and  found  a  Chris- 
tian spirit  manifested  in  them  while  we  were  with  them, 
and  only  feel  sorry  that  we  could  not  effect  a  union  in  the 
practice  of  feet-washing.  Signed  by  the  committee :  H.  D. 
Davy,  John  Metzger,  Samuel  Lehman,  Christian  Long." 

Whereas,  there  has  been  a  misunderstanding  between 
the  brethren  in  Illinois,  visited  by  the  committee,  and  the 
Annual  Meeting ;  and,  whereas,  said  brethren  have  accepted 
of  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  conformed  to 
the  order  of  the  church  in  every  respect  except  in  the  order 
of  feet-washing;  and,  whereas,  the  different  modes  of 
washing  feet  have  been  much  agitated  among  the  brethren 
for  some  time  past,  neither  to  the  edification  of  the  breth- 
ren, nor  to  the  promotion  of  holiness  in  the  church;  and, 
whereas,  this  Annual  Meeting  has  given  counsel,  which,  it 
is  hoped,  will  stop  said  agitation  and  let  the  subject  rest; 
therefore,  this  Annual  Meeting  concludes  to  bear  a  little 
longer  with  said  brethren,  and  see  what  the  result  will  be. 
It  also  advises  brethren,  when  organizing  new  churches,  to 
organize  them  in  the  practice  of  the  ordinances,  according 
to  the  general  order  of  the  brethren. 

Art.  8.  Would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  the 
Scriptures,  and  the  example  of  the  Savior,  to  dispense  with 
the  salutation  of  the  kiss  at  feet-washing,  and  at  the  com- 
munion? Answer:  We  readopt  the  decision  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting  of  1853,  Art.  39. 

Art.  4.  What  does  this  district  think  of  the  propriety 
of  requiring  brethren,  who  shall  hereafter  write  and  pub- 
lish books,  to  submit  them  to  a  committee,  appointed  by 
the  Yearly  Meeting,  for  examination  and  approval,  before 
they  offer  them  to  the  public?  Answer:  We  think  it  ad- 
visable for  brethren  to  do  so. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        845 

Art.  5.  How  is  it  considered  by  the  brethren,  for  a 
brother  to  take  the  benefit  of  the  bankrupt  law  ?  Answer : 
Considered  not  according  to  gospel.  Matt.  v.  40;  Luke 
xvi.  9, 10. 

Art.  6.  As  our  fraternity  disapproves  of  its  members 
joining  the  Masonic  order,  and  all  secret  societies,  when  a 
report  is  in  circulation  that  some  of  the  brethren  belong  to 
some  such  society,  and  the  nature  of  the  case  being  such 
that  it  is  very  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  obtain  testi- 
mony to  prove  the  charge,  has  the  church,  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, a  right  to  question  the  brethren  charged  rela- 
tive to  the  truth  of  the  report,  and  if  it  has  a  right  to  do 
so,  and  exercises  that  right,  and  the  brethren  refuse  to  an- 
swer, what  shall  the  church  do?  Answer:  Under  the  cir- 
cumstances alluded  to,  we  consider  that  the  church  has  a 
right  to  question  the  brethren,  to  ascertain  whether  the 
report  is  true,  and  we  think  such  brethren  owe  it  in  honor 
to  themselves,  and  injustice  to  the  church,  to  give  a  direct 
answer  upon  the  subject,  and  failing  to  do  so,  they  throw 
themselves  liable  to  be  dealt  with  as  offending  members. 

Art.  7.  Can  a  brother,  consistently  with  the  gospel,  take 
the  benefit  of  the  law  by  getting  up  a  petition  to  locate  a 
ditch  according  to  law,  and  thus  compel  others  to  ditch? 
Answer :  We  consider  it  most  in  accordance  with  the  gos- 
pel, and  the  general  principles  of  the  brotherhood,  not  to 
use  the  law  to  compel  men  to  do  any  thing. 

Art.  8.  Shall  officers  in  the  church,  involved  in  difficul- 
ties, act  in  their  office  while  involved  in  such  difficulties,  and 
when  there  are  others  holding  the  same  office?  Answer  : 
we  think  the  case  should  be  first  investigated  before  officers 
are  prohibited  from  acting  in  their  offices. 

Art.  9.  Should  brethren  be  allowed  to  anoint  the  sick 
without  first  knowing  of  them  whether  they  are  at  peace 
with  all,  as  much  as  lieth  in  them ;  and  if  not,  should  it  not 
be  required  of  the  sick,  before  anointing  them,  to  confess 
their  faults  one  to  another,  that  they  may  be  healed,  and 


346  MINUTES    OF 

whether  they  should  not  be  fully  resigned  to  the  will  of 
God  whether  to  live  or  die?  Answer:  We  consider  the 
direction  for  anointing  the  sick,  already  given  by  our  breth- 
ren, sufficient  for  ordinary  occasions,  but  when  any  thing 
further  is  necessary,  brethren  called  upon  to  anoint  should 
act  accordingly 

Art.  10.  Do  the  brethren  consider  it  in  accordance  with 
the  order  of  the  brethren,  and  tenor  of  the  gospel,  for  mem- 
bers of  the  church  to  take  a  drink  of  water  from  the  table 
at  love-feast,  while  the  tables  are  being  furnished  for  sup- 
per, or  thanks  are  offered  at  our  communion?  Answer: 
Members  should  tarry  one  for  another,  according  to  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians.      I.  Cor.  xi.  33. 

Art.  11.  Which  would  be  the  most  consistent  with  the 
teachings  of  the  gospel,  to  have  the  supper  off  or  on  the 
table  at  the  time  of  washing  feet?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as 
the  teaching  of  the  gospel,  in  this  respect,  is  differently 
understood  by  the  brethren,  we  leave  it  with  the  churches  to 
decide  which  course  will  give  the  most  satisfaction  and 
peace. 

Art.  12.  Shall  we  not  determine,  at  this  Annual  Meet- 
ing, to  make  voting  a  test  of  fellowship  ?  If  not,  then 
shall  we  not  leave  the  whole  matter  to  the  decision  of  the 
brethren  to  do  as  they  individually  will,  with  all  the  dis- 
cord and  confusion  we  now  have  throughout  the  brother- 
hood? Answer:  "We  conclude  to  readopt the  decision  of 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  1866,  Art.  1. 

Art.  13.  Would  it  not  be  well  for  all  committees  called 
to  settle  difficulties  in  churches  to  keep  a  record  of  their 
proceedings,  signed  by  the  committee,  and  also  by  compe- 
tent members  of  the  church  in  which  said  committee  acted, 
tor  reference?  Answer:  We  think  they  should  keep  a 
record,  from  the  fact  that  so  much  misunderstanding  oc- 
curs without  it.  A  duplicate  of  the  proceedings  should 
also  be  left  with  the  church,  if  it  desires. 

AVrt.  14.  How  is  it  to  be  considered  when  a  brother  is 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  347 

conscientious  in  wearing  Lis  beard  on  his  upper  lip  (a  full 
beard),  and  when  there  are  other  brethren  who  are  con- 
scientious in  not  saluting  such  brethren  ?  Answer  :  We 
consider  that  in  all  such  cases  as  the  foregoing,  brethren 
should  bear  with  one  another. 

Art.  15.  Would  it  not  be  more  in  accordance  with  the 
gospel,  and  the  order  of  the  brethren,  to  have  a  more  uni- 
form practice  in  giving  letters  of  recommendation  to  mem- 
bers moving  from  one  arm  of  the  church  to  another? 
Answer:  We  think  it  best  to  let.  the  churches  write  certifi- 
cates as  will  suit  them,  as  this  has  heretofore  been  the 
practice  of  the  brethren. 

Art.  16.  Inasmuch  as  there  is  great  dissatisfaction  as  re- 
gards the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting  relating  to  in- 
surance, in  permitting  brethren  to  insure  property  but  not 
life,  aud  thus  permitting  the  rich  who  own  real  estate  to 
insure,  but  not  the  poor,  should  not  a  poor  man  be  permit- 
ted to  insure  his  life  as  well  as  the  rich  his  property?  An- 
swer :  We  defer  this  subject  for  the  present. 

Art.  17.  As  there  seems  to  be  a  discord  in  the  decision 
of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1850,  Art.  32,  and  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1827,  Art.  4,  we  wish  to  have  them  harmon- 
ized, if  possible.  Answer:  We  consider  that  no  unbap- 
tized  person  can  be  a  member  of  the  church,  and  therefore 
can  not  be  anointed. 

Art.  18.  How  is  it  considered  if  the  majority  of  a  con- 
gregation decide  against  the  decisions  of  the  Annual  Coun- 
cil,  can  the  bishops  of  said  congregation  act  with  the 
minority  of  said  church,  and  the  decision  of  the  Annual 
Meeting?  Answer:  He  can,  as  the  Annual  Meeting  is  of 
higher  authority  than  any  one  church. 

Art.  19.  Could  not  the  Annual  Meeting,  during  its  sev- 
eral sessions,  arrange  a  little  better  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  delegates,  sent  from  the  different  districts  on  busi- 
ness,  by  providing  seats  for  them  near  the  standing  com- 
mittee, it  having  been  the  case  on  former  occasions  that  they 


348  MINUTES    OF 

were  crowded  oui  to  the  remotest  bounds  of  the  assembly, 
to  their  great  dissatisfaction.  Answer :  Considered  that 
the  committee  of  arrangements  should  provide  a  number 
of  seats  nearest  to  the  standing  committee,  sufficient  to 
seat  all  the  delegates  sent  from  districts. 

Art.  20.  Has  an  elder,  or  elders,  a  right  to  busy  them- 
selves with  the  affairs  of  another  church,  and  take  accus- 
ing queries  concerning  it  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  against 
the  bishops  and  elders  thereof,  and  that  secretly  ?  If  not 
right,  what  course  should  be  pursued  with  those  that  would 
do  so,  to  the  very  great  dissatisfaction  of  the  church  ?  An- 
swer :  There  may  be  cases  where  they  have  a  right  to  look 
up  the  affairs  of  another  church.  But  it  is  wrong  to  accuse 
elders  of  a  particular  church,  anywhere  secretly  ;  and  if 
they  do,  they  should  be  admonished  to  desist. 

Art.  21.  Whereas,  it  has  been  repeatedly  decided,  at  our 
Yearly  Meeting,  that  it  is  wrong  for  members  of  the  church 
to  have  their  likenesses  taken,  what  then  is  to  be  done  with 
members  that  have  their  likenesses  taken?  Answer:  We 
consider  it  not  right  for  members  to  have  their  likenesses 
taken,  aud  if  they  have  done  so,  they  should  be  admonished 
to  put  them  away. 

Art.  22.  What  will  this  Annual  Meeting  do  with  regard 
to  Art.  21 'and  its  answer,  of  the  ]  minutes  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1868?  Answer:  We  readopt  the  answer  to 
said  article  given  by  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1868,  and  rec- 
ommend the  brethren  to  carry  out  the  plan  and  'give'it  a 
fair  trial. 

Art.  23.  Should  not  the  query  and  answer  of  Art.  35, 
of  1865,  be  repealed?  said  query  relating  to  outside  testi- 
mony ?  Answer:  We  think  the  decisions  of  former  years 
go  as  far  as  we  can  go  in  taking  outside  testimony  in  try- 
ing members  of  the  church. 

Art.  24.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  who 
are  school  teachers,  whether  lay  members,  ministers,  oi 
elders,  at  the  expiration  of  their  school,  to  have  exhibi 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  349 

tions,  at  which  their  scholars  speak  dialogues,  and  have 
two  or  three  fiddles  to  keep  up  time,  and  have  large  crowds 
assembled  together?  And  if  it  is  wrong,  can  it  be  done?  And 
if  it  is  right,  please  give  us  Scripture  for  it,  so  that  all  may 
be  satisfied.  Answer:  We  consider  such  exhibitions  very 
wrong,  and  think  brethren  should  not  encourage  them. 

Art.  25.  Whereas,  Bro.  II.  Kurtz  has  requested  this 
Annual  Meeting  to  give  the  committee  getting  out  the 
German  hymn-book  liberty  to  add  a  few  more  hymns  than 
were  at  first  decided,  this  meeting  thinks  the  book  should 
contain  no  more  hymns  than  were  first  agreed  to.  And  as 
it  has  been  ascertained  by  this  meeting  that  the  German 
members  are  very  anxious  to  have  the  German  hymn-book 
completed,  it  requests  the  committee  to  get  the  book  out 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  by  the  united  wisdom  of  all  the 
committee. 

Art.  26.  Request  for  committees  :  1.  A  request  from  the 
Miami  Church,  Ohio.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the 
following  brethren  appointed :  J.  P.  Ebersole,  Daniel 
Brower,  Joseph  Kaufi'man,  and  Jacob  Garver.  2.  A  com- 
mittee for  the  Bush  Creek  Church,  Maryland,  was  requested 
and  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were  appointed  : 
II.  D.  Davy,  John  Wise,  David  Long,  and  Joseph  F. 
Rohrer.  3.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  as  a 
committee  to  visit  the  Antioch  Church,  Indiana :  H.  D. 
Davy,  David  Bechtelheimer,  Daniel  Brower,  Jacob  Berkey, 
and  J.  Miller,  of  Portage.  4.  The  following  brethren  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  Fawn  River  Church,  Indiana : 
Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  Jacob  Berkey  and  Christian 
Wenger.  5.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  visit  the  church  in  Bedford  County,  Penn- 
sylvania :  Grabill  Myers,  Jacob  Price,  and  Moses  Miller. 
(J.  The  following  brethren  form  the  committee  to  Tennes- 
see  to  organize  a  church  :  Abraham  Naff,  David  Derrick, 
and  B.  F.  Moomaw.     7.  The  following  brethren  were  ap- 


850  MINUTES    OF 

pointed  to  visit  the  Price  Creek  Church,  Ohio  :  Peter  Nead, 
II.  D.  Davy,  and  Isaac  Miller. 

Art.  27.  The  request  of  the  brethren  of  Black  Hawk 
County,  Iowa,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1870,  was  re- 
newed, and  it  was  decided,  the  Lord  willing,  to  have  the 
next  Annual  Meeting  with  the  brethren  in  Black  Hawk 
County,  Iowa.  Brethren  E.  K.  Buechly  and  S.  M.  Miller 
were  appointed  corresponding  secretaries.  Their  address 
is  "Waterloo,  Black  Hawk  County,  Iowa. 

The  business  before  the  council  being  disposed  of,  the 
meeting  was  closed  with  exhortation,  singing,  and  prayer, 
as  the  brethren  felt  to  praise  God  that  he  had  favored  them 
with  his  presence  and  help,  and  thereby  enabled  them  to 
hold  a  very  pleasant  and  successful  Annual  Council. 

Standing  committee  and  officers:  Abraham  Naff,  John 
Wine,  Peter  Nead,  John  P.  Ebersole,  Henry  I).  Davy, 
Robert  II.  Miller,  Jacob  Flory.,  Jacob  Berkey,  John  Metz- 
ger,  Samuel  Lehman,  David  Brower,  Elias  Iv.  Buechly, 
John  Wise,  Grabill  Meyers,  David  Gerlach,  Isaac  Pfoutz, 
D.  T.  Sayler,  David  Long,  Abraham  Malsby,  F.  W.  Dove, 
James  Quinter. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1870. 

As  usual  a  large  number  of  brethren  and  sisters  assem- 
bled in  the  vicinity  of  the  place  of  the  general  council- 
meeting  before  the  time  for  beginning  the  council.  Meet- 
ings for  public  preaching  were  held  in  a  number  of  places. 

On  Tuesday  morning,  June  7th,  the  meeting  was  duly 
organized,  and  opened  with  devotional  exercises,  among 
which  was  the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts 
of  the  Apostles.  The  council  then  proceeded  to  business, 
and  the  following  subjects  were  duly  considered  and  passed 
by  the  meeting,  as  herein  stated : 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  851 

Article  1.  Should  not  a  full  report  of  questions  and  an- 
swers passed  by  the  Annual  Meeting  be  given,  instead  of 
merely  referring  to  former  decisions?  Answer:  We  think 
a  full  report  of  the  answers  should  be  put  into  the  minutes, 
when  they  are  not  too  long. 

Art.  2.  lis  it  considered  right  for  a  brother  to  take  or  re- 
ceive a  pension,  back  pay,  or  bounty,  for  services  rendered 
to  the  government  before  he  became  a  member  of  the 
church  ?     Answer:  We  think  he  may  be  allowed  to  do  so. 

Art.  3.  As  there  has  been  a  petition  presented  to  this 
Annual  Meeting  for  a  committee  to  go  to  California  and 
Oregon  to  organize  churches,  and  to  set  things  in  order, 
the  meeting  appointed  Bro.  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  and 
Bro.  D.  Sturgis,  of  South  Bend,  Indiana,  as  the  committee. 
It  was  also  concluded  to  make  provisions  to  defray  the  ex- 
penses of  the  committee,  which  it  was  supposed  would  be 
about  three  hundred  dollars.  Bro.  Christian  Wenger  was 
appointed  receiver  to  receive  the  funds  collected.  His  ad- 
dress is  South  Bend,  St.  Joseph  County,  Indiana.  To 
further  the  collection  of  said  funds,  the  elders  were  recom- 
mended to  lay  the  subject  before  their  congregations. 

Art.  4.  We  desire  an  answer  to  Art.  16  of  last  Annual 
Meeting.  This  article  is  as  follows  :  Inasmuch  as  there  is 
great  dissatisfaction  as  regards  the  decision  of  the  Annual 
Meeting,  relating  to  insurance,  in  permitting  brethren  to 
insure  property  but  not  life,  and  thus  permitting  the  rich 
who  own  real  estate  to  insure,  but  not  the  poor,  should  not 
a  poor  man  be  permitted  to  insure  his  life  as  well  as  the 
rich  his  property  ?  Considered,  that  we  postpone  this  ques- 
tion. 

Art.  5.  Inasmuch  as  excommunicated  persons  do  fre- 
quently, under  the  present  system  of  our  Annual  Council, 
call  for  committees  to  reconsider  their  cases,  and  that  most 
generally  to  the  dissatisfaction  of  the  church  where  such 
cases  originated,  will  not  this  district-meeting  petition  our 
Annual  Conference  to  consider  this  matter,  and  decide  that 


o52  MINUTES    OF 

all  sucli  requests  for  a  rehearing  shall  be  made  to  the  elders 
in  adjoining  districts;  and  as  they  have  more  or  less  knowl- 
edge of  the  case,  let  them  consider  the  propriety  of  giving 
such  persons  a  rehearing?  This  query  being  taken  to  the 
Annual  Meeting  for  further  consideration,  received  the  fol- 
lowing answer :  Answer :  This  meeting  judges  it  best  to 
make  no  change  from  the  present  practice  of  the  brother- 
hood in  the  subject  referred  to  in  the  preceding  query,  but 
it  thinks  that  the  Annual  Meeting  should  be  very  careful 
in  appointing  committees,  and  appoint  none  but  what  are 
absolutely  required. 

Art.  6.  Whereas,  there  was  a  letter  published  in  one  of 
our  periodicals  soon  after  the  last  Aunual  Meeting,  in 
which  statements  were  made  unfavorable  to  the  integrity 
of  the  standing  committee,  and  thereby  involving,  more  or 
less,  the  character  of  the  whole  meeting,  we  therefore  think 
that  the  correctness  of  the  statements  above  referred  to 
should  be  investigated,  and  consequently  ask  the  next  An- 
nual Meeting  to  make  such  an  investigation.  The  subject 
being  considered,  the  Annual  Meeting  thought  that  an  in- 
vestigation was  necessary,  and  appointed  the  following 
brethren  a  committee  to  investigate  the  subject :  Solomon 
Garber,  Jacob  "Wine,  Peter  Nininger,  Moses  Miller,  and  J. 
D.  Trostle. 

;  Art.  7.  Whereas,  S.  Z.  Sharp  and  H.  R.  Ilolsinger  have 
drawn  forth  many  expressions  of  censure,  and  have  evi- 
dently greatly  wounded  the  feelings  of  the  members  of  the 
standing  committee  of  last  Annual  Meeting,  and  also  of 
very  many  members  of  the  church,  by  the  publication  of 
certain  reports  that  reflect  very  unfavorably  upon  the  con- 
duct of  said  committee;  therefore, the  brethren  composing 
the  western  district  of  Maryland,  in  district-council  assem- 
bled, do  request  the  Annual  Meeting  to  appoint  a  commit- 
tee to  investigate  the  facts  of  the  case  and  determine  what 
acknowledgments  or  satisfaction  must  be  made  to  restore 
harmonv  and  love  again,  and  this  to  be  attended  to  at  the 


..  ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         353 

Annual  Meeting  of  1870.  The  foregoing  request  was 
granted,  and  Samuel  Garber,  D.  13.  Sturgis,' Jacob  Miller, 
Daniel  Wolf,  and  John  Crist,  were  appointed  a  committee 
of  investigation.  In  due  time  the  following  report  of  the 
committee  was  submitted  to  the  meeting  and  adopted :  We, 
the  committee  appointed  by  this  Annual  Meeting  to  inves- 
tigate the  cause  of  grievances  set  forth  in  Art.  7,  after 
carefully  investigating  the  matter,  decide  as  follows:  First: 
Bro.  H.  R.  Holsinger  assumed  an  unprecedented  and  un- 
justifiable course  in  employing  a  reporter  without  author- 
ity from  the  church.  Second :  In  not  regarding  the  counsel 
of  the  last  Annual  Meeting  (Art.  1,  clause  fourth),  in  pub- 
lishing S.  Z.  Sharp's  letter,  casting  severe  reflections  on  the 
standing  committee,  which  Bro.  II.  R.  Holsinger  knew,  or 
ought  to  have  known,  was  a  misrepresentation  of  the  facts 
in  the  case  proved  to  us.  Third:  In  answering  the  defense 
of  the  standing  committee,  his  criticism  and  language  were 
unbecoming  a  brother.  (See  "  Christian  Family  Compan- 
ion," Vol.  V,  No.  45,  pp.  696,  697,  698.)  And  we  also  find 
that  the  committee  did  no  more  than  duty  required  of  them 
in  rejecting  the  reporter.  It  is  also  clearly  proved  to  us 
that  the  committee  offered  Bro.  II.  R.  Holsinger  all  the 
privileges  he  formerly  enjoyed,  to  make  his  own  report. 

In  consideration  of  the  above,  we  require,  in  order  to 
restore  peace  and  harmony,  that  Bro.  H.  R.  Holsinger  ac- 
knowledge that  he  did  wrong,  and  that  he  asks  the  for- 
giveness of  the  church.  S.  Garber,  D.  B.  Sturgis,  J.  Miller, 
D.  Wolf,  J.  Crist.  After  the  reading  of  the  report,  Bro. 
II.  R.  Holsinger  made  an  acknowledgment  satisfactory  to 
the  meeting. 

Art.  8.  Is  it  the  duty  of  the  members  of  the  church  to 
take  special  care  of  their  orphan  children  in  getting  homes 
for  them  among  the  brethren,  and  in  having  them  raised 
up  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel?  Answer:  We  think  it  is 
according  to  Eph.  vi.  4. 

Art.  9.  Whereas,  a  number  of  the  district-meetings  have 


354  MINUTES    OF 

sent  to  this  Annual  Meeting  an  expression  unfavorable  to 
a  reporter  making  a  full  report  of  the  proceedings  of  our 
Annual  Meeting,  therefore  we  resolve  that  no  report  by  a 
reporter  be  made. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  according  to  the  Scriptures,  and  the  order 
of  the  brethren,  for  a  brother  who  moves  from  one  district 
of  the  church  to  another,  and  obtains  his  letter,  to  carry  it 
for  months  and  still  refuse  to  give  it  up?  And  what  is  to 
be  done  in  such  a  case,  and  which  church  is  to  consider  it? 
Answer:  We  consider  the  answer  to  Art.  5,  in  the  minutes 
of  1866,  a  sufficient  answer  to  the  above  query. 

Art.  11.  Is  it  the  duty  of  the  church  to  support  a  widow 
after  she  is  sixty  years  of  age,  having  nephews  who  are 
able  to  support  her?  (See  I.  Tim.  v.  16.)  Answer:  It  is, 
provided  the  nephews  have  not  the  will  or  means  to  sup- 
port her. 

Art.  12.  Would  it  not  be  prudent,  since  secret  orders, 
such  as  Freemasons,  Odd-Fellows,  etc.,  are  becoming  more 
and  more  prevalent,  to  ask  every  applicant  for  baptism 
whether  he  belongs  to  any  secret  order?  Answer:  We 
consider  it  necessary  and  prudent  to  do  so. 

Art.  13.  A  sister  was  received  into  the  church  years  ago 
by  single  immersion,  but  upon  the  agitation  of  the  subject, 
the  question  arises,  can  she  be  retained  as  a  member  of  the 
church?  Answer:  We  consider  that  the  gospel,  and  our 
consistency  in  regard  to  our  practice  of  the  gospel,  require 
us  to  adhere  strictly  to  our  mode  of  immersion,  as  recog- 
nized in  the  minutes  of  our  Annual  Meeting.  (See  Min- 
utes of  1841,  Art.  5.) 

Art.  14.  Whereas,  much  dissatisfaction  exists  among  the 
brethren,  relative  to  the  answer  of  the  first  article  of  the 
minutes  of  1868,  and  the  insertion  of  the  answer  of  a  dis- 
trict-meeting before  the  answer  of  the  Annual  Meeting, 
whereby  many  are  unable  to  understand  what  the  answer 
of  the  Annual  Meeting  to  said  query  was,  will  the  dis- 
trict-meeting agree  to  ask  the  Annual  Meeting  to  define 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  355 

plainly  to  the  whole'bretherhood,  through,  the  minutes  of 
this  year,  how  much  of  said  article  is  the  answer  of  the 
Annual  Meeting,  and  authoritative?  Answer,  yes;  for  we 
very  much  desire  a  better  understanding  on  that  subject, 
and  we  therefore  ask  a  reconsideration  of  Art.  1,  of  the 
minutes  of  1868.  Answer :  We  agree  to  reconsider  said 
article,  and  leave  out  of  the  minutes  of  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing of  1868  the  answer  of  the  district  of  eastern  Maryland, 
which  reads  as  follows :  "  Considered,  by  this  meeting,  that 
the  words  in  question  do  annul  the  marriage  contract." 
And  as  a  large  proportion  of  the  brotherhood  understand 
that  it  only  suspends,  while  others  understand  that  it  an- 
nuls the  marriage  contract,  and  viewing  this  difference  of 
sentiment  among  us,  and  the  majority  believing  that  forni- 
cation only  suspends  the  marriage  contract,  and  as  the 
tendency  of  the  practice  of  the  age  is  toward  too  great  a 
looseness  of  the  binding  power  of  the  marriage  vow,  we 
think  it  most  advisable,  for  the  present,  to  act  in  the 
church  as  if  the  marriage  contract  is  only  broken  by  death. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel, 
and  the  order  of  the  brethren,  for  a  brother  voluntarily  to 
inform  the  civil  authorities  against  a  man  for  selling  liquors 
contrary  to  law?     Answer:  It  is  not. 

Art.  16.  A  man  goes  to  the  army,  and  when  he  comes 
home  his  wife  was  married  to  another  man,  and  she'con- 
tinues  to  be  the  second  man's  wife.  Some  time  after  he 
marries  a  widow,  and  they  live  together  agreeably  for  some 
years.  They  both  then  make  application  to  be  received 
into  the  church  by  baptism,  manifesting  fruits  of  repent- 
ance to  the  satisfaction  of  the  church,  his  first  wife,  in  the 
meanwhile,  still  living  in  adultery.  The  church  examines 
him  concerning  separation,  and  finds  him  innocent.  Then 
examines  the  Scriptures,  and  the  advice  of  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1857,  Art.  8;  also,  minutes  of  1856,  Art.  24,  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  applicants, 
and  according  to  the  best  judgment  the  church  receives 


356  MINUTES    OF 

them.  Can  they  be  held  as  members  of  the  church?  An- 
swer: They  can  not  while  they  live  together. 

Art.  17.  How  is  it  considered,  according  to  the  gospel, 
if  a  man  marries  a  wife,  and  afterward  they  part;  then  he 
marries  a  second  woman,  but  puts  her  away  because  she  is 
not  an  honest  woman.  Then  he  applies  for  a  bill  of  divorce, 
and  gets  it.  But  he  obtained  no  divorce  from  the  first 
woman.  Then,  to  satisfy  the  law,  he  marries  his  first  wife, 
and  he  and  his  wife  both  make  application  to  become  mem- 
bers of  the  church;  can  they  be  received  into  the  church? 
Answer:  They  can  be  received  by  giving  satisfactory  evi- 
dence of  true  repentance. 

Art.  18.  How  is  it  considered  for  members  to  argue  that 
the  old  order  of  the  brethren,  in  wearing  a  plain  garment, 
is  the  tradition  of  men,  and  say  there  is  no  scripture  for 
such  order?  Answer:  We  consider  it  wrong  for  members 
to  do  so,  and  if  they  persist  in  such  a  course  they  should 
be  admonished.     (See  I.  Peter  v.  5;  I.  John  n.  16.) 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered  for  members  of  the  church 
to  absent  themselves  from  meeting,  from  time  to  time,  with- 
out any  good  or  lawful  excuse?  Answer:  We  consider  it 
wrong  for  members  to  absent  themselves  from  meeting,  and 
should  they  do  so  for  three  or  four  times,  they  should  be 
visited  to  ascertain  the  cause;  and  if  no  good  cause  can  be 
given,  they  should  be  admonished.     Heb.  x.  24,  25. 

Art.  20.  Since  the  Annual  Meeting  has,  at  different 
times,  decided  against  the  excessive  use  of  tobacco  (See 
Minutes  of  1864,  Art.  19),  but  the  object  desired  has  not 
yet  been  realized,  we  therefore  ask  this  district-meeting  to 
suppress  its  use  altogether,  except  for  medical  or  mechan- 
ical purposes,  and  to  deal  with  such  as  use  it  according  to 
Matt,  xviil,  as  we  consider  it  proper  to  deal  with  members 
for  wearing  fashionable  garments.  Minutes  of  1863,  Art. 
3,  and  Minutes  of  1866,  Art.  27.  The  district-meeting  fa- 
vored the  request,  and  sent  it  to  the  Annual  Meeting.  An- 
swer :  This  Annual  Meeting  renews  its  disapprobation  of 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        357 

the  use  of  tobacco,  and  especially  at  the  time  and  in  the 
place  of  divine  worship,  and  believes  it  should  be  classed 
with  other  vain  and  useless  things.  ' 

Art.  21.  Inasmuch  as  both  the  district  and  Yearly  Meet- 
ing have  decided  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  the  gospel, 
and  the  order  of  the  brethren,  for  a  brother  to  preach  who 
will  not  conform  to  the  order  of  the  church,  shall  not  the 
church  have  the  liberty  to  take  his  office  from  him,  if  he 
remains  obstinate  after  being  admonished?  Answer:  We 
think  it  shall,  after  being  admonished  again  and  again  by 
the  church. 

Art.  22.  How  do  the  brethren  at  this  meeting  consider 
it,  if  sisters  are  not  willing  to  wear  a  covering  on  their 
heads  at  time  of  worship,  according  to  the  order  of  the 
brethren,  and  what  is  to  be  done  with  a  minister  that  con- 
tends that  there  is  no  covering  necessary  but  the  hair  ? 
Answer:  We  are  to  deal  with  such  sisters  mildly,  but 
strictly.  But  such  a  minister  should  be  admonished  to 
withdraw  such  contentions,  and  if  he  does  not  adhere,  he 
is  to  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  23.  Is  it  right  for  brethren  or  sisters  to  have  musical 
instruments  in  their  houses,  such  as  melodeons  or  organs? 
Answer :  We  think  it  not  expedient  to  have  them  in  our 
houses,  when  they  cause  offense,  and  we  think,  under  such 
circumstances,  every  brother  and  sister  that  have  them 
ought  to  be  admonished,  in  love,  to  put  them  away,  agree- 
ably to  Eph.  v.  19;  Col.  m.  16;  James  v.  13. 

Art.  24.  What  is  the  rule  of  the  brethren,  when  a  mem- 
ber is  expelled,  and  removes  into  another  or  adjoining  dis- 
trict, and  after  living  in  the  other  district  some  six  or  seven 
years,  and  then  makes  application  for  membership,  which 
church  shall  then  receive  him  with  hand  and  kiss,  after 
reconciliation  is  made  with  the  church  that  expelled  him? 
Answer:  The  church  in  which  "he  lives  at  the  time  he  is 
restored. 


358  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  25.  Does  the  Annual  Meeting  consider  it  wrong  foi 
the  brethren  to  hold  their  Sunday-schools  in  their  meeting- 
houses? Answer:  We  consider  it  not  wrong,  if  such 
schools  are  conducted  according  to  order,  and  by  the  con- 
sent of  the  church. 

Art.  26.  In  relation  to  the  anointing  of  Christ,  as  re- 
corded in  Matt.  xxvi.  13,  and  presented  by  one  of  the  dis- 
trict-meetings, w*e  would  say  that  the  subject  is  worthy  of 
our  consideration  and  attention,  but  we  do  not  think  it 
best  or  necessary  to  give  any  direction  as  to-  time  or  place 
at  which  it  should  be  preached ;  and  because  of  its  length 
we  omit  the  query,  as  it  came  from  the  district-meeting. 

Art.  27.  Why  is  it  that  the  brethren  use  leavened  bread 
at  their  love-feasts  ?  Had  we  not  better  take  the  example 
of  Christ  and  the  apostles,  and  use  unleavened  bread? 
Answer :  We  do  not  believe  it  right  to  keep  the  Jewish 
customs. 

Art.  28.  Will  the  brethren  of  this  Annual  Council  take 
into  consideration  the  importance  of  having  the  bread  and 
wine  on  the  table  at  supper,  so  as  to  harmonize  with  the 
gospel?  Answer:  We  think  it  best  to  adopt  the  decision 
of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1864,  Art.  26,  which  reads  as 
follows:  "We  think,  in  case  of  anj^  change  being  desired 
in  the  established  order,  in  any  branch  of  the  church,  espe- 
cially with  regard  to  the  communion,  it  would  always  be 
best  and  safest,  for  the  preservation  of  love  and  union,  to 
take  no  steps  in  any  change  of  this  kind,  until  the  whole 
church  is  agreed,  or  the  district-meeting  is  consulted." 

Art.  29.  Inasmuch  as  the  district-meetings  have  no  reg- 
ular order  for  appointing  delegates  to  the  Annual  Meeting, 
we  offer  the  following  method  to  the  brotherhood :  Let 
three  official  members  constitute  a  committee  for  receiving 
the  votes  of  the  delegates  from  the  several  churches  com- 
prising the  district-meetings.  The  above  plan  for  appoint- 
ing delegates  to  the  Annual  Meeting  was  submitted  by  the 
standing  committee  and  accepted  by  the  General  Council. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         359 

Art.  30.  Iu  compliance  with  the  requestsgriade,  the  fol- 
lowing committees  were  appointed  :  1.  To  the  Cold  Water 
Church,  Butler  County,  Iowa,  David  B rower,  Henry  Strick- 
ler,  and  Peter  Forney.  2.  To  the  Eel  River  and  Washing- 
ton churches,  Indiana,  Iliel  Hamilton,  Jacob  Wagner,  and 
Jacob  Flory.  3.  To  the  Rock  River,  West  Branch,  and 
Yellow  Creek  churches,  Illinois,  H.  D.  Davy,  John  Wise, 
and  John  Metzger.  4.  To  the  Rush  Creek  Church,  Ohio, 
II.  D.  Davy,  James  Quinter,  John  Wise,  J.  P.  Ebersole, 
and  Eli  Stoner.  5.  To  the  Georges  Creek  Church,  Penn- 
sylvania, II.  D.  Davy,  John  Wise,  and  C.  G.  Lint.  8.  To 
the  Snake  Spring  Valley  Church,  Pennsylvania,  Joseph 
Hanawalt,  John  Gluck,  Isaac  Myers,  Moses  Miller,  and  J. 
Berkey. 

Art.  31.  The  request  from  the  eastern  district  of  Penn- 
sylvania, for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1371,  was  granted, 
and,  therefore,  the  Lord  willing,  the  next  Annual  Meeting 
will  be  with  the  brethren  in  the  above-named  district,  in 
1871,  commencing  on  Tuesday  after  Pentecost.  Christian 
Bomberger,  Rothsville,  Lancaster  County,  Pennsylvania, 
and  Samuel  R.  Zug,  Mastersonville,  Lancaster  County, 
Pennsylvania,  are  the  corresponding  secretaries,  with  whom 
correspondence  can  be  held.  Further  particulars,  as  to 
place,  etc.,  will  be  given  in  due  time. 

It  was  resolved  that  Bro.  John  Buechly,  of  Illinois,  be 
the  agent  for  obtaining  railroad  privileges  west  of  Pitts- 
burgh and  the  Ohio  River,  and  Bro.  Christian  Custer,  of 
Philadelphia,  for  obtaining  such  privileges  east  of  Pitts- 
burgh. 

The  business  before  the  meeting  being  disposed  of  in 
much  harmony  and  love,  after  a  short  season  of  devotional 
exercises,  in  which  the  six  hundred  and  eighty-fourth 
hymn  was  sung,  a  short  exhortation  given,  and  supplica- 
tion and  thanksgiving  offered,  the  council  closed,  leaving, 
apparently,  the  lingering  impression  upon  many  minds 
that  it  was  good  to  be  together. 


360  MINUTES    OF 

Standing  c#himittee  and  officers:  J.  Trostle,  D.  Long, 
D.  Gerlach,  I.  Myers,  John  Wise,  II.  D.  Davy,  E>.  Brower, 
D.  J.  Peek,  F.  P.  Loehr,  P.  Nininger,  Jacob  Wine,  J.  Quin- 
ter,  Christ.  Wenger,  Jacob  Metzger,  Iliel  Hamilton,  E.  Eby, 
M.  Sisler,  John  Metzger,  Jacob  Hanger,  G.  I\.  Baker,  A. 
Replogle,  G.  Witwer,  Wm.  Gish. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1871. 

On  Monday  afternoon  the  standing  committee  met,  and 
organized  by  the  appointment  of  the  necessary  officers. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  meeting  was  opened  with  de- 
votional exercises,  and  the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chapter 
of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  after  which  the  business  com- 
menced. 

Upon  the  reception  of  the  papers  from  the  delegates 
from  the  district  committees,  it  was  ascertained  that  the 
following  subjects  were  designed  to  come  before  the  Gen- 
eral Council.  They  were  accordingly  considered  and  acted 
upon,  as  herein  stated: 

Article  1.  What  is  to  be  done  when  a  church  needs  a 
brother  in  the  second  degree  of  the  ministry,  but  lacks  con- 
fidence to  advance  the  one  that  is  oldest  in  office;  yet,  out 
of  necessity,  the  church  has  tried  twice  to  advance  him, 
but  was  opposed  each  time  by  the  majority  of  the  members 
voting  against  him?  Answer:  The  brother  should  be  in- 
formed of  the  cause  of  such  opposition,  so  that  he  may 
have  an  opportunity  to  remove  it;  and  if  he  can  remove 
the  cause,  then  the  church  may,  and  should,  advance  him; 
but  if  the  cause  is  not  removed,  then  the  church  may  ad- 
vance the  next  one  in  office. 

Art.  2.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren,  assembled  in  Annual 
Council  in  1858,  saw  no  inconsistency  in  deacons  rising  to 
their  feet  to  exhort,  and  as  some  of  the  elders,  when  in- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         361 

stalling  deacons,  still  charge  them  to  keep  their  seat,  would 
it  be  inconsistent,  when  thus  charged,  for  them  to  rise  to 
exhort?  Answer:  We  think  all  deacons  should  have  the 
privilege  to  rise  when  it  becomes  their  duty  to  speak,  and 
that  elders,  when  installing  deacons,  should  observe  this 
decision. 

Art.  3.  Does  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1871  claim  Salem 
College,  of  Bourbon,  Indiana,  to  be  under  the  auspices  of 
our  brotherhood  ?  Answer :  It  does  not  regard  it  as  a 
church  school,  or  conducted  by  the  general  brotherhood, 
though  it  is  under  the  auspices  of  members  of  the  church, 
and  is  supported  by  those  who  patronize  it,  and  not  by  do- 
nations of  the  church. 

Art.  4.  "Will  this  district-meeting  approve  of  the  follow- 
ing amendment  to  the  plan  of  holding  Annual  Meetings: 
Let  the  districts  send  one  delegate  to  represent  them  on  the 
standing  committee,  and  each  congregation  send  one  rep- 
resentative, and  these  to  compose  the  Annual  Meeting,  and 
all  queries  to  be  decided  by  that  body  alone?  Answer: 
"We  think  it  best  not  to  make  the  change  asked  for,  at 
present. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  a  brother  to  swear 
his  life  against  a  brother?  Answer:  Xot  according  to  the 
gospel. 

Art.  6.  Whereas,  the  eastern  district  of  Maryland  has 
decided  that  our  colored  brother,  Elias  Fisher,  be  author- 
ized to  preach  the  gospel  to  the  colored  people,  and  since 
he  was  installed  there  have  been  exceptions  taken  to  the 
manner  of  his  promotion,  will  this  Annual  Meeting  con- 
firm the  decision  of  the  eastern  district  of  Maryland?  An- 
swer: In  relation  to  the  above  case,  it  appears,  from  what 
this  Annual  Meeting  has  learned,  that  there  has  been  a 
failure  on  the  .part  of  the  elders  in  the  district  to  author- 
ize Bro.  Fisher  to  preach,  and  owing  to  said  failure,  a 
brother  in  the  second  degree  installed  him,  by  the  laying 
on  of  hands.     As  this  was  a  departure  from  the  practice 


362  MINUTES    OF 

of  the  church,  we  think  it  was  very  improper;  and,  while 
we  recognize  Bro.  Fisher  as  a  minister  among  us,  we  con- 
sider him  only  in  the  first  degree,  regarding  the  laying  on 
of  hands  as  conferring  no  official  authority  whatever. 

Art.  7.  Should  not  this  district  adopt  measures  to  pro- 
vide and  supply  ministerial  aid  for  churches  where  there 
is  no  preacher?  and  also  to  fill  calls,  open  missions,  preach 
the  gospel,  and  introduce  the  principles  of  the  brethren  in  the 
many  sections  within  said  district,  which  they  have  not  yet 
reached?  Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  approves  of  the 
suggestions  in  the  above  query,  as  it  is  very  necessary  that 
churches  or  bodies  of  brethren,  in  which  there  are  no  resi- 
dent ministers,  should  be  assisted;  and  inasmuch  as  there 
are  many  localities  where  the  gospel,  as  preached  and  prac- 
ticed by  the  brethren,  is  not  known,  we  think  the  gospel 
should  be  taken  into  such  places.  As  it  regards  the  meas- 
ures necessary  to  accomplish  these  objects,  we  think  the 
district  should  adopt  such  measures  as  it  judges  best  cal- 
culated to  answer  its  purpose. 

[Xote. — This  query  came  to  the  Annual  Meeting  with- 
out any  answer.  It  was  the  duty  of  the  standing  commit- 
to  form  an  answer  to  it,  and  submit  said  answer  to  the 
General  Council.  The  above  answer  was  accordingly 
formed  and  submitted  to  the  committee,  and  received  the 
unanimous  vote  of  the  committee.  But  owing  to  the  fact 
that  it  was  not  answered,  it  was  deferred,  when  first  intro- 
duced, and  was  afterward  overlooked.  It  then  occurred  to 
the  mind  of  the  clerk  that  it  had  been  overlooked,  and  he 
regretted  it  very  much.  Having  an  opportunity  to  do  so, 
he  mentioned  the  circumstances  to  several  of  the  standing 
committee  after  the  meeting  closed,  and  they  thought  it 
might  be  put  on  the  minutes.  We  accordingly  insert  it, 
not  as  having  received  the  sanction  of  the  General  Council, 
but  that  of  the  standing  committee. — Clerk.] 

Art.  8.  Will  the  district-meeting  petition  the  Annual 
Meeting  to  reconsider  and  revoke  Art.  27,  of  the  minutes 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  363 

of  the  Annual  Meeting,  passed  A.  D.  1856,  relative  to  the 
holy  kiss?  Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  thinks  it  best 
to  make  no  change  of  Art.  27,  of  1856. 

Art.  9.  Is  it  in  accordance  with  the  gospel  for  brethren 
to  belong  to  the  building  and  loan  associations  now  organ- 
ized in  different  parts  of  the  country?  Answer:  We  ad- 
vise the  brethren  not  to  unite  with  such  associations  until 
they  understand  them  properly,  and  are  satisfied  that  unit- 
ing with  them  does  not  conflict  with  the  gospel. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  the  duty  of  the  church  to  support  a  wid- 
owed sister  over  threescore  years  old,  and  who  has  nephews 
that  are  members  of  the  church,  and  these  nephews  being 
able  to  support  her?  Answer:  "We  agree  to  defer  this 
subject  to  our  next  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  11.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  order  of 
the  brethren,  in  case  a  member  wishes  outside  testimony 
to  prove  his  position  in  a  matter  of  difference  between 
members  in  the  church,  to  have  said  testimony  qualified 
by  an  oath  or  affirmation ?  Answer:  We  consider  it  not 
according  to  the  gospel  for  members  to  require  outside 
evidence  under  oath  or  affirmation. 

Art.  12.  Does  the  gospel  teach  that  the  brethren  are  (by 
the  gospel)  to  aid  one  another  in  case  of  loss ;  and  if  so, 
ought  they  not  to  establish  their  own  insurance  companies, 
and  not  insure  in  those  of  the  world  ?  Answer :  We  con- 
clude to  defer  this  question  until  our  next  Annual  Meet- 
ing. 

Art.  13.  Would  it  not  be  in  harmony  with  the  Script- 
ures, and  the  councils  of  our  brethren,  when  there  is  con- 
siderable difficulty  in  a  church,  and  the  cause  of  the  Mas- 
ter suffers  in  consequence  thereof,  for  the  elders  of  the 
adjoining  churches  to  visit  said  church  and  set  things  that 
are  necessary  in  order?  Answer:  We  consider  it  would 
be  in  harmony  with  the  Scriptures,  and  the  order  of  the 
brethren,  to  do  so. 

A.rt.  14.  Is  it  considered  right  for  a  brother  in  the  min- 


364  MINUTES   OF 

istry  to  exercise  his  own  judgment  in  reference  to  remain- 
ing in  or  moving  out  of  the  church  in  which  he  was  chosen, 
or  must  he  remain  in  said  church  or  district  until  the  breth- 
ren there  see  proper  to  let  him  go  !  Answer:  "We  consider 
that  it  would  be  best  for  all  ministering  brethren,  before 
leaving  a  church,  to  counsel  it,  and  it  should  spare  him  it 
it  can  do  so. 

Art.  15.  Would  it  not  render  more  general  satisfaction 
if  churches  which  have  difficulties  to  settle  would,  when 
they  fail  to  settle  them,  call  upon  the  elders  in  the  adjoin- 
ing churches  to  come  to  their  assistance ;  and  if,  in  case  a 
committee  be  after  that  needed,  let  them  apply  to  their  an- 
nual district-meeting,  instead  of  our  General  Conference, 
for  said  committee,  and  let  it  be  selected  from  the  churches 
which  compose  said  district-meeting,  saving  much  expenses, 
etc.?  Answer:  We  think  it  best  to  make  no  change  in  re- 
gard to  the  authority  for  appointing  committees  to  make 
a  final  settlement  of  difficulties. 

Art.  16.  When  a  brother  has  fallen  into  the  judgment  of 
the  church,  and  it  takes  an  action  in  his  case  to  the  dissat- 
isfaction of  the  brother,  and  he  wants  a  rehearing  or  an 
investigation  of  the  church's  proceedings,  what  is  the 
proper  course  to  be  pursued  to  get  a  rehearing?  Answer: 
The  expelled  member  shall  first  apply,  through  the  officers, 
to  the  church  which  acted  on  the  case  ;  if,  however,  the 
officers  refuse  to  bring  it  before  the  church,  the  elders  in 
the  adjoining  churches  may  call  said  church  together  to 
ascertain  whether  it  will  grant  a  rehearing  to  the  expelled 
member.  But,  if  the  church  refuses  to  grant  a  rehearing, 
then  the  said  expelled  member  should  obtain  what  names 
of  the  members  in  the  church  he  can  to  a  petition  to  the 
Annual  Meeting  for  a  committee  to  investigate  the  case. 

Art.  17.  Will  not  this  Annual  Meeting  recall  the  privi- 
lege granted  to  establish  Sunday-schools,  especially  where 
the  church  is  not  entirely  unanimous?  Answer:  We  do 
not  recall  the  above  privilege,  but  where  the  establishing 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         365 

of  Sunday-schools  would  cause  trouble  or  division,  breth- 
ren had  better  desist  from  introducing  them. 

Art.  18".  Is  it  right  for  members  of  the  church,  even 
elders  and  deacons,  to  make  dinners  or  feasts  on  Sundays, 
or  on  other  days,  spending  much  time  in  baking  and  cook- 
ing, and  setting  their  tables  with  many  luxuries,  and  then 
inviting  other  members,  and  such  as  are  not  members,  to 
come  and  feast  with  them  ;  and  then,  while  eating,  be  en- 
gaged in  vain  conversation,  such  as  jesting  and  joking,  and 
perhaps  eating  to  excess  ?  Answer :  We  consider  it  utterly 
wrong  for  brethren  to  do  so.     (See  Eph.  v. ;  I.  Peter  iv.) 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered  for  members  of  the  church 
to  attach  themselves  to  the  Washington  Mutual  Live  Stock 
Insurance  Company?  Answer:  We  consider  that  brethren 
shoul  not  join  any  society  by  which  they  jeopardise  their 
non-resistant  principles. 

Art.  20.  Can  the  church  hold  a  man  and  his  wife,  both 
members  of  the  church,  when  the  one  will  not  live  with 
the  other  under  any  circumstances  whatever?  Answer: 
We  consider  that  the  elders  in  the  adjoining  church  shall 
investigate  the  case,  and  dispose  of  it  according  to  its 
merits  and  the  principles  of  the  gospel.  Being  informed 
of  the  case  that  gave  rise  to  the  above  query,  we  name 
John  Metzger,  Samuel  Lehman,  and  Daniel  Fry  to  attend 
to  it. 

Art.  21.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided 
that  it  is  not  improper  to  secure  a  debt  by  mortgage  (See 
Minutes  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1825,  Art.  2),  would  it 
be  proper  for  a  brother  to  close  such  mortgage  when  the 
debt  is  not  paid  according  to  contract?  Answer:  We  have 
no  objection  for  brethren  to  secure  money  by  mortgage, 
but  we  can  not  advise  brethren  to  close  a  mortgage  by  a 
process  of  law. 

Art.  22.  We  desire  an  explanation,  with  an  answer,  on 
the  words  "  again  and  again,"  used  in  answer  to  Art.  27,  of 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  1866,  as  the  word  or  words,'"  again 


366  MINUTES    OF 

and  again,"  is  or  are  not  scriptural  language.  Hence,  how 
often  must  an  offending  member  be  admonished  to  be  ad- 
monished again  and  again,  before  an  action  can  be  taken 
against  it?  Answer:  We  still  feel,  as  the  brethren  have 
always  felt,  that  it  is  difficult  to  lay  down  a  definite  rule  to 
apply  to  all  cases  concerning  the  subject  alluded  to  in  the 
query.  We  think  that  the  wisdom  of  the  churches  should 
dictate  the  proper  method  of  treating  such  cases.  Where 
the  general  conduct  of  members  is  such  as  becomes  the 
gospel  of  Christ,  and  there  seems  to  be  no  inclination  to 
follow  the  fashions  of  the  world,  and  their  apparel  is  modest 
and  not  gay,  forbearance  should  be  exercised  toward  such 
members,  hoping  they  will  in  time  adopt  the  plain  garment, 
as  this  is  considered  one  of  the  peculiarities  of  our  frater- 
nity, and  in  accordance  with  the  Christian  grace  of  sim- 
plicity taught  in  the  gospel.  In  cases,  however,  where 
members,  instead  of  conforming  to  the  order  of  the  breth- 
ren in  plainness  of  dress,  conform  to-and  follow  the  fashions 
of  the  world,  such  should  be  dealt  with  more  rigorously ; 
and,  if  after  several  admonitions,  there  seems  to  be  no  im- 
provement, they*should  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt. 
xviii.  ;  and  in  dealing  with  such  cases,  both  the  salvation  of 
souls  and  the  purity  of  the  church  should  be  kept  in  view. 

Art.  23.  If  a  speaker's  or  visiting  brother's  wife  dies, 
and  he  marries  a  woman  that  is  not  a  member  of  the 
church,  can  he  still  officiate  in  his  office?  A  scriptural  de- 
cision is  requested.  Answer:  We  think  he  can;  for  where 
there  is  no  law,  there  is  no  transgression. 

Art.  24.  Whereas,  it  is  generally  understood  by  the 
brethren,  that  members  of  the  church  are  not  permitted  to 
attend  places  of  merriment,  such  as  state  and  county  fairs, 
celebrations,  circus  shows,  mass-meetings,  and  political  con- 
ventions, etc.,  and  as  we  can  not  find  any  thing  in  the  min- 
utes on  the  subject,  a  decision  from  the  Annual  Meeting  is 
desired.     Answer:  We  consider  that  the  answer  given  by 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         367 

the  Annual  Meeting  of  1859,  Art.  14,  covers  and  applies 
to  all  the  cases  referred  to  in  the  query.  The  answer  to 
Art.  14,  in  the  minutes  of  1859,  reads  as  follows:  "Such 
brethren  should  be  admonished  not  to  attend  such  places; 
and  if  they  still  persist  in  doing  so,  they  should  be  dealt 
with  according  to  Matt,  xvin." 

Art.  25.  "Will  this  Annual  Meeting  permit  brethren  and 
sisters  to  attend  animal  shows?  Answer:  This  Annual 
Meeting  can  give  no  such  permit. 

Art.  26.  Is  there  not  some  way  of  bringing  members  to 
an  account,  who  speak  disrespectfully  of  and  disregard  the 
counsels  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  district  and  sub-dis- 
trict-meetings? Answer:  Such  members  should  be  ad- 
monished, and  if  they  will  not  hear,  they  should  be  dealt 
with  as  transgressors.  (See,  also,  Minutes  of  1866,  and  a 
paragraph  under  the  heading,  "The  Organization  of  the 
Annual  Meeting.") 

Art.  27.  Is  it  advisable  for  a  brother  to  serve  as  manager 
or  teacher  of  a  college  or  high  school,  as  the  tendency 
thereof  is  to  lead  many  of  the  brethren  from  the  simplicity 
that  is  in  Christ,  and  also  to  divide  the  brotherhood?  In- 
asmuch as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  admitted  the  propriety 
of  a  high  school,  as  a  private  enterprise  (See  Art.  51, 1868), 
we  can  not  prohibit  a  brother  from  engaging  in  teaching  in 
such  an  institution ;  and  as  it  regards  the  fears  that  many  ^ 
entertain  of  the  tendency  of  such  an  institution  to  lead  breth- 
ren from  the  simplicity  of  the  church,  this  will  depend 
upon  the  character  of  the  institution.  And  to  guard  the 
Salem  College  against  any  such  tendency,  this  Annual 
Meeting  advises  the  elders  of  the  church  district,  in  which 
the  college  is  located,  to  take  into  its  charge  all  the  teach- 
ers and  scholars  of  said  college,  who  are  members  of  the 
church,  and  require  of  them  to  conform  to  the  general 
order  of  the  brotherhood.  ' 

Art.  28.  "Would  it  not  be  better  to  dispense  with  the  dis- 
trict-meetings entirely,  and  go  back  to  the  plan  of  1848, 


368  MINUTES    OF 

for  holding  the  Annual  Meeting?  Answer:  We  think  it 
best  not  to  make  the  change  asked  for. 

Art.  29.  Will  not  the  Annual  Meeting  make  it  binding 
on  all  the  churches  to  furnish  all  members,  moving  from 
one  place  to  another,  with  letters  of  recommendation,  or  a 
reason  why  not  when  asked  ?  Answer :  The  churches  shall 
give  recommendations,  or  a  lawful  reason  why  not. 

Art.  30.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren  are  misrepresented 
and  abused  by  enemies,  saying  the  Brethren's  Encyclopedia 
is  our  discipline,  kept  secret  by  a  few  leading  brethren, 
would  it  not  be  better  to  advise  the  publisher  to  have  no 
more  bound?  Answer:  We  do  not  recognize  the  Breth- 
ren's Encyclopedia  to  be  a  discipline  of  the  church,  but  we 
consider  the  reasons  given  in  the  query  insufficient  for 
making  any  change  in  regard  to  publishing  it. 

Art.  31.  Would  it  not  be  best  to  allow  all  brethren  in 
the  second  degree  of  the  ministry  to  represent  the  churches 
in  Annual  Meeting,  and  sit  on  the  standing  committee,  if 
sent  by  the  district-meeting?  Answer:  We  think  it  best 
to  make  no  change. 

Art.  32.  In  order  to  avoid  imposition  on  the  churchesr 
should  not  all  the  members  of  the  church,  and  especially 
traveling  preachers,  be  furnished  with  a  certificate,  properly 
signed,  showing  their  standing  in  the  church?  Answer: 
Wre  consider  it  advisable  that  members  of  the  church,  un- 
der the  circumstances  alluded  to,  should  be  supplied  with 
certificates. 

Art.  33.  What  course  should  be  taken  to  bring  into  order 
an  individual  arm  of  the  church,  which  is  much  out  of 
order  in  regard  to  wearing  of  apparel,  and  implicated  with 
the  world  in  attending  school  exhibitions,  and  debates,  so 
that  their  influence  extends  into  neighboring  churches, 
causing  trouble  there?  Answer:  We  consider  it  the  duty 
of  the  elders  of  the  surrounding  churches  to  take  notice  of 
such  churches,  and  set  them  in  order. 

Art.  34.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1870,  Art. 


ANNUAL    .MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  369 

12,  has  decided  that  applicants  for  baptism  should  be  asked 
whether  they  belong  to  any  secret  order,  and  as  our  frater- 
nity is  opposed  to  all  secret  societies,  would  it  not  be  well 
to  adopt  some  plan  by  which  the  members  may  be  interro- 
gated yearly,  before  we  hold  our  communion  meetings, 
upon  the  subject  of  secret  organizations?  Answer:  We 
consider  it  necessary  to  interrogate  members  upon  the  sub- 
ject alluded  to  in  the  cpuery,  where  there  is  any  reason  to 
believe  they  belong  to  secret  societies,  but  any  thing  further 
we  think  unnecessary. 

Art.  35.  According  to  Art.  14,  in  minutes  of  1869,  can 
the  church  tolerate  a  brother  who  assails  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing by  writing  against  its  decisions  in  the  periodicals  of 
the  brotherhood  ?  Answer :  We  think  it  is  wrong  for  a 
brother  to  do  so,  and  any  doing  it  should  make  satisfaction 
to  the  church. 

Art.  36.  Would  it  not  be  more  consistent  with  the  gos- 
pel for  the  brethren  to  adopt  a  definite  name  in  writing 
letters  of  recommendations?  Answer:  We  think  it  would 
be  good  to  head  all  letters  of  recommendation  as  follows: 
"We,  the  German  Baptist  Brethren,  send  greeting.'"' 

Art.  37.  Whereas,  this  Annual  Meeting  finds,  to  its  great 
regret,  that  the  subject  of  feet- washing,  in  its  single  and 
double  mode,  as  the  difference  is  called,  has  produced  seri- 
ous difficulties  already  among  us,  and  threatens  still  greater 
difficulties  in  the  future.  Questions  relating  to  this  sub- 
ject have  come  from  different  localities  in  the  brotherhood' 
and  it  has  assumed  such  a  degree  of  importance  as  to  com- 
mend it  to  the  serious  and  prayerful  attention  of  the  broth- 
hood.  Under  these  considerations,  with  much  prayerful 
reflection,  the  propriety  has  suggested  itself  to  us  of  calling 
the  elders  of  the  brotherhood  together  to  consider  this  mat- 
ter, as  the  apostles  and  elders  did  to  consider  the  case  of  cir- 
cumcision. Acts  xv.  6.  We  have  therefore  concluded  to 
recpuest  all  the  ordained  elders  of  the  brotherhood  to  meet, 

ni  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  under  a  due  sense  of  their  re- 
24 


370  MINUTES    OF 

sponsibility,  in  solemn  assembly,  on  Whit-Monday,  1872, 
at  the  place  of  our  next  Annual  Meeting,  to  dispose  of  this 
subject  as  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  fraternity  require. 

In  the  meantime,  no  church  should  be  organized  under 
the  single  mode,  neither  should  any  church  change  from 
the  double  to  the  single  mode.  And  in  order  to  obtain  all 
the  information  possible  to  present  unto  the  council  of 
elders  above  alluded  to,  we  appoint  the  following  brethren 
as  a  committee  to  ascertain,  as  far  as  possible,  which  was 
the  first  mode  practiced  by  our  brethren  in  America :  D. 
P.  Sayler,  Jacob  Reiner,  and  J.  Quinter. 

Art:  38.  Calls  for  committees :  1.  A  request  for  a  com- 
mittee to  visit  the  "West  Branch  Church,  in  Darke  County, 
Ohio,  to  settle  difficulties.  This  wTas  granted,  and  the  fol- 
lowing brethren  were  appointed :  H.  D.  Davy,  James 
Quinter,  Samuel  Mohler.  2.  A  requst  for  a  committee  to 
visit  the  Pine  Creek  Church,  Ogle  County,  Illinois,  for  the 
same  purpose.  This  was  granted,  and  the  following  breth- 
ren constitute  the  committee :  Samuel  Lehman,  Martin 
Myers,  and  Michael  Sisler.  3.  For  a  committee  to  the 
West  Conestoga  and  Chiques  Creek  churches,  in  Lancaster 
County,  Pennsylvania,  to  settle  difficulties.  The  following 
are  the  brethren  appointed  :  Joseph  E.  Hanawalt,  Samuel 
Lehman,  Daniel  Fry,  John  G.  Gluck,  John  Metzger,  and 
F.  P.  Loehr.  4.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the 
Sugar  Creek  Church,  Allen  County,  Ohio.  The  following 
brethren  were  appointed :  Abraham  Airbaugh,  Abraham 
Flory,  John  Brilhart,  Noah  Henricks,  and  Samuel  Moh- 
ler. 5.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Milmine 
Church,  in  Piatt  County,  Illinois,  to  settle  difficulties  in 
said  church.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed:  J. 
R.  Gish,  George  Gish,  Daniel  Nehr,  and  D.  M.  Holsinger. 
6.  A  request  from  the  Limestone  Church,  Washington 
County,  Tennessee,  to  settle  difficulties.  The  following 
brethren  were  appointed  on  the  committee  :  Peter  Crum- 
packer,  Abraham  NefY,  and  B.  F.  Moomaw.     7.  For  Flk- 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  371 

hart  Valley  congregation,  for  the  same  purpose.  Jacob 
Berkey,  C.  Wenger,  Jacob  Miller,  of  Portage,  D.  B.  Stuts- 
man, and  A.  Whitmore. 

Art.  39.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting  :  1.  A  request 
from  the  brethren  in  northern  Ohio  for  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing in  1872.  2.  A  request  from  the  brethren  in  the  Elk- 
lick  Church,  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  An- 
nual Meeting  in  1873.  3.  A  request  from  northern  Indiana 
for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1874. 

There  being  but  one  request  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in 
1872,  and  that  from  the  brethren  in  northern  Ohio,  the 
meeting  will  be  held,  the  Lord  willing,  at  the  usual  time, 
with  the  brethren  in  that  part  of  the  brotherhood.  Infor- 
mation in  regard  to  the  place  at  which  it  will  be  held,  and 
other  particulars,  will  be  given  in  due  time. 

Bro.  Christian  Custer,  of  Philadelphia,  was  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  railroad  companies  in  regard  to  obtaining 
half- fare  privileges. 

The  meeting  closed  as  it  commenced,  with  devotional  ex- 
ercises ;  and  after  thanking  the  Lord  for  the  pleasant  sea- 
son of  Christian  fellowship  which  many  of  his  children 
enjoyed,  and  after  commending  ourselves  to  the  protection 
of  his  providence  and  the  word  of  his  grace,  the  brethren 
and  sisters  separated  with  mingled  feelings  of  joy  and  sor- 
row, produced  by  the  reflections  awakened  by  the  occasion. 

Standing  committee  and  officers :  John  Zug,  Moses  Mil- 
ler, John  Wise,  D.  P.  Sayler,  David  Long,  Peter  Crum- 
packer,  Solomon  Garber,  Martin  Cossner,  David  Derrick, 
F.  W.  Dove,'  D.  J.  Peck,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  II.  D.  Davy,  J. 
Miller,  Jacob  Karns,  George  Hoover,  D.  Fry,  John  Metz- 
ger,  John  Ilarshey,  Benjamin  Beeghly,  and  James  Quinter. 


372  MINUTES    OF 

ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1872. 

On  Monday  a  large  number  of  elders  collected,  accord- 
ing to  previous  arrangement,  and  conferred  with  one  an- 
other upon  the  subject  they  met  to  consider. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  general  council-meeting  was 
opened  in  the  ordinary  manner,  by  devotional  exercises, 
and  the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles. 

In  opening  and  examining  the  papers  presented  to  the 
council,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  following  subjects  were 
sent  to  the  meeting  to  be  considered.  Accordingly  they 
were  considered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  decided  as 
herein  stated : 

Article  1.  Has  the  church  a  right  to  pass  resolutions 
and  decisions,  and  enforce  them  to  the  expulsion  of  mem- 
bers from  the  body,  without  thus  saith  the  positive  law  of 
the  Lord  ?  Answer :  The  church  shall  not  expel  any  mem- 
ber without  gospel  authority 

Art.  2.  A  request  to  reconsider  Art.  20,  of  Annual  Meet- 
ing of  1870.  There  was  a  reconsideration  of  the  article 
referred  to,  and  the  answer  of  j  870  was  renewed,  and  or- 
dered to  be  put  on  the  present  minutes.  It  is  as  follows  : 
"This  Annual  Meeting  renews  its  disapprobation  of  the 
use  of  tobacco,  and  especially  at  the  time,  and  in  the  place, 
of  divine  worship,  and  believes  it  should  be  classed  with 
other  vain  and  useless  things." 

Art.  3.  Are  members  justifiable  in  refusing  to  commune 
with  bishops  of  other  churches  who  tolerate  pride  in  their 
churches,  when  the  Annual  Meeting  makes  it  their  duty 
to  enforce  plainness?  Answer:  Not  until  it  is  understood 
that  the  elders  who  are  said  to  have  tolerated  the  evil  al- 
luded to  have  been  admonished  and  labored  with,  to  get 
them  in  order. 

Art.  4.  Has  the  church  the  right  to  enforce  her  decisions 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.  31'6 

according  to  Matthew  xvni.,  in  matters  where  the  gospel 
is  silent  ?  Answer  :  There  may  be  evils  of  sufficient  mag- 
nitude to  require  a  resort  to  the  extreme  of  the  course  we 
are  directed  to  pursue  in  Matt,  xvni.,  though  those  evils 
for  which  members  are  dealt  with  may  not  be  specified  in 
the  gospel,  but  at  the  same  time  are  clearly  violations  of 
the  principles  of  the  gospel 

Art.  5.  Is  the  gospel  a  perfect  law  to  govern  the  church 
in  all  things  necessary  to  salvation.     Answer:  It  is 

Art.  6.  AVhat  is  the  ancient  and  established  order  of  the 
brethren,  when  elders  are  called  to  labor  in  another  arm  of 
the  church?  Are  they  to  be  taken  in  the  private  council 
with  the  laboring  brethren  of  that  church,  or  not?  An- 
swer: They  may  be  taken  into  the  private  council 

Art.  7.  Is  it  according  to  the  order  of  the  brethren  in 
private  council  that  there  be  a  unanimous  consent  of  the 
"  official  brethren"  concerning  any  matter  before  it  can 
come  before  the  church?  Answer:  The  official  brethren 
should  not  bring  a  matter  before  the  church,  if  they  are 
divided,  until  they  have  called  the  assistance  of  bishops  of 
adjoining  districts. 

Art.  8.  Can  the  church  tolerate  a  member  in  the  body 
that  is  a  member  of  the  society  or  order  called  Grange  or 
J\atrons  [of  Husbandry  ?  Answer :  Xo  brother  or  sister 
should  have  any  thing  to  do  with  such  an  order,  it  being  a 
secret-bound,  and  from  appearance,  a  political  association; 
and  members  who  have  united  with  it,  and  persist  in  it, 
should  be  dealt  with  as  transgressors.  (See  Minutes  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1870.) 

Art.  9.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel  and  rules  of 
the  brethren,  for  one  arm  of  the  church  to  delegate  toan- 
other  arm  the  power  of  restoring  back  to  the  church  a 
member  who  had  formerly  been  disowned  by  the  arm  first 
named  above?  Answer:  It  has  the  power,  by  sending  the 
charge  with  the  testimony,  in  connection  with  the  testi- 
mony where  the  member  resides. 


874  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  10.  Does  this  district  understand  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  mean  that  we  should  dispose  of  our  likenesses  en- 
tirely when  it  advises  us  to  put  them  away  ?  (See  Minutes 
of  1869,  Art.  21.)  Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  under- 
stands the  phrase  "put  them  away"  to  mean  to  put  them 
out  of  public  sight. 

Art.  11.  What  is  to  be  done  with  a  district  of  the  church 
that  tolerates  its  members  in  taking  illegal  interest  for 
money  loaned,  after  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided  again 
and  again  that  it  is  wrong  to  do  so  ?  Answer :  This  Annual 
Meeting  thinks  that  that  church  should  be  visited  by  the 
elders  of  the  adjoining  churches,  to  set  in  order  the  things 
that  are  wanting. 

Art.  12.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  order  of 
the  brethren,  for  members  of  the  church  to  teach  instru- 
mental music  in  public  schools,  or  elsewhere  ?  We  desire 
the  dear  brethren,  assembled  in  district-meeting,  to  give  us 
an  answer  on  this  subject.  Answer:  Whereas,  we  know 
of  no  direct  Scripture  on  the  subject,  we  can  only  give  our 
advice  on  the  query.  And  as  we  believe  instrumental 
music  to  be  of  the  world,  and  not  of  the  true  church  of 
God,  we  think  members  had  better  not  engage  in  teaching 
it.  But  we  submit  our  answer  to  the  Annual  Meeting. 
This  Annual  Meeting  confirms  this  answer. 
fti  Art.  13.  Whereas,  the  Annual  Meetiug  of  1866,  in  or- 
ganizing district-meetings,  says:  "The  district-meetings 
shall  endeavor  to  settle  all  questions  of  a  local  character; 
and,  whereas,  it  is  known  that  questions  of  such  a  charac- 
ter have  been  settled,  according  to"  truth  and  justice,  by  in- 
dividual churches,  aided  by  elders  called  by  the  church. 
Yet  there  are  always  some  members  who  are  dissatisfied, 
and  appeal  to  the  Annual  Meeting  for  committees  from 
abroad,  at  heavy  expenses,  etc.,  which  are  no  more  compe- 
tent of  deciding  correctly  than  are  the  elders  in  the  district 
in  which  the  cases  occur;  therefore  the  district  of  eastern 
Maryland  petitions  the  Annual  Meeting  to  authorize  the 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN         375 

several  district-meetings  to  settle  all  questions  and  cases 
arising  among  them,  not  of  a  doctrinal  character.  The 
Annual  Meeting  postponed  this  question. 

Art.  14.  Will  the  Annual  Meeting  confirm  or  reject  the 
answer  formed  by  the  standing  committee  to  Art.  7,  of  the 
minutes  of  1871  ?  Answer :  This  Annual  Meeting  confirms 
said  answer. 

Art.  15.  Can  brethren  in  the  ministry,  who  have  fallen 
into  the  gross  crimes  mentioned  by  Paul  in  I.  Cor.  v.,  ever 
be  restored  to  their  office?  And  if  they  can,  in  what  way 
shall  it  be  done?  Answer:  We  think  they  may,  under 
some  circumstances,  and  the  church  having  to  act  should 
judge  whether  such  circumstances  exist.  But  we  think  it 
should  be,  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  church,  and 
in  the  presence  of  at  least  three  elders.  But  there  are 
some  cases  so  grievous  that  we  can  not  receive  them  into 
their  office. 

Art.  1G.  Will  not  this  meeting  urge  a  change  in  holding 
our  Aunual  Meeting,  as  the  present  system  is  very  unsatis- 
factory ?  A  reconsideration  of  Art.  4,  of  the  last  Annual 
Meeting,  is  desired.  Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  re- 
adopts  the  answer  of  Art.  4,  1871. 

Art  17.  The  following  resolution  contains  the  decision 
of  the  meeting  upon  the  subject  of  feet-washing:  Make  no 
change  whatever  in  the  mode  and  practice  of  feet-washing, 
and  Btop  the  further  agitation  of  the  subject. 

Art.  18.  Whereas,  both  the  new  English  hymn-book, 
and  also  the  German,  are  not  used  in  some  few  of  the 
churches  of  our  brotherhood;  and,  whereas,  the  use  of  the 
two  books,  the  old  and  the  new,  causes  at  times  considera- 
ble inconvenience,  and  for  this  and  other  reasons  it  is  de- 
sirable that-  but  one  book  should  be  used  in  our  churches; 
and,  whereas,  the  reason  given  by  some  brethren  for  not 
introducing  the  new  book,  is  that  the  Annual  Meeting  has 
never  given  them  its  sanction ;  and,  whereas,  the  English 
book  had,  before  its  publication,  been  presented  to  the 


376  MINUTES    OF 

Annual  Meeting  for  an  expression  of  its  judgment  upon 
the  character  of  the  work,  but  for  want  of  time  no  ex- 
pression was  given  ;  and,  whereas,  the  new  books,  both  the 
English  and  the  German,  have  now  been  before  the  broth- 
erhood for  some  time,  and  have  given  general  satisfaction  ; 
therefore,  resolved,  that  this  Annual  Meeting  give  the  new 
books  its  sanction,  and  liberty  to  all  the  members  of  the 
churches  to  use  them. 

Art.  19.  Resolved,  that  the  request  of  John  Dennis  and 
his  brethren,  of  the  State  of  Maine,  in  regard  to  a  minis- 
tering brother  being  sent  to  them,  to  preach  the  gospel  and 
make  known  to  them  the  order  of  the  brethren,  should  not 
be  slighted,  but  prayerfully  considered  by  the  Annual 
Meeting,  and  measures  adopted  to  carry  the  same  into 
effect.  Answer:  We  think  the  minutes  of  1860  and  1868 
give  the  church  ample  liberty  to  make  arrangements  to 
meet  the  case  above  alluded  to  ;  we  therefore  refer  the  sub- 
ject to  the  district-meeting  from  which  it  came. 

Art.  20.  We  desire  the  Annual  Meeting  to  correct  the 
minutes  of  last  year,  Art.  5,  so  as  to  read :  "  Ts  it  right  for 
a  brother  to  swear  his  life  against  a  man  for  any  cause," 
instead  of,  "  Swear  his  life  against  a  brother."  Answer  : 
We  adopt  the  correction. 

Art.  21.  Will  this  meeting  allow  brethren,  and  especially 
ministering  brethren,  to  engage  in  the  banking  business? 
Answer:  Not  advisable  for  brethren  to  engage  in  such  busi- 
ness.    (See  Matt.  vi.  3.) 

Art.  22.  We  desire  the  Annual  Meeting  to  reconsider 
Art.  3,  of  the  minutes  of  1844,  and  if  the  present  answer 
may  be  adopted,  then  what  shall  be  done  with  a  brother 
who  violates  the  decision?  The  query  above  alluded  to, 
with  the  answer,  are  as  follows:  "Whether  a  brother  may 
go  to  the  legislative  assembly,  as  a  representative  of  the 
people,  agreeably  with  the  gospel?  Considered,  that 
though  we  look  upon  the  higher  powers  of  the  world  as 
being  of  God,  for  the  protection  of  the  pious,  etc.,  and  de- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         377 

sire  to  be  thankful  to  God  for  the  benefit  we  enjoy  under 
our  government,  and  feel  it  our  duty  to  pray  fervently  and 
daily  for  the  same,  we  can  not  see  how  a  follower  of  the 
meek  and  lowly  Savior  can  seek  and  accept  an  office  of  this 
kind  consistently  with  the  gospel  he  professeth.  (See  Matt, 
xx.  25-28;  Mark  x.  42-46;  Luke  xxn.  25;  John  xvn.  16, 
etc.")  The  query  was  reconsidered,  and  the  following  an- 
swer given  by  this  meeting:  Answer:  We  readopt  the 
answer  to  the  minutes  alluded  to,  and  consider  that  any 
brother  who  suffers  himself  to  be  elected  to  such  office  as 
that  named,  and  to  serve  in  it,  can  not  be  retained  as  a 
member  of  the  church. 

Art.  23.  Which  is  the  most  in  accordance  with  the  gos- 
pel, and  example  of  Jesus  and  his  disciples,  to  close  our 
love-feasts  in  the  evening  with  singing  or  with  prayer? 
Answer:  This  meeting  thinks  singing  last  is  most  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  gospel. 

Art.  24.  Requests  for  committees  to  visit  churches,  to 
settle  difficulties,  and  which  were  granted:  1.  A  commit- 
tee to  the  Shauesville  Church,  Tuscarawas  Count}',  Ohio, 
John  P.  Ebersole,  Samuel  Mohler,  and  Daniel  Brower.  2. 
For  the  Donnel's  Creek  Church,  Clarke  County,  Ohio, 
John  Wise,  John  Metzger,  Joseph  Henricks,  Hiel  Hamil- 
ton, and  R.  II.  Miller.  3.  For  the  Beaver  Dam  Church, 
Frederick  County,  Maryland,  Moses  Miller,  Daniel  Keller, 
and  Jacob  Price.  4.  For  the  Beaver  Creek  Church,  Wash- 
ington County,  Maryland,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Jacob  Price,  and 
Joseph  Rohrer.  5.  For  the  Spring  River  Church,  Jasper 
County,  Missouri ;  also,  for  the  Cedar  Creek  Church,  Cedar 
County,  Missouri,  and  perhaps  for  other  churches,  William 
Gish,  Christian  Holler,  Isaac  Harshey,  John  Harshey,  and 
Enoch  Eby.  6.  For  the  Salem  Church,  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio,  Samuel  Mohler,  Isaac  Miller,  and  Samuel 
Garber.  7.  For  the  church  on  the  north  branch  of  the 
Wild  Cat,  Indiana,  H.  D.  Davy,  John  Wise,  and  Joseph 
McCarty.     8.  For  the  Chique's  Creek  Church,  Lancaster 


378  MINUTES   OF 

County,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  Indian  Creek  Church,  Mont- 
gomery County,  Pennsylvania,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Joseph  Hana- 
walt,  J.  G.  Gluck,  Daniel  Keller,  and  Samuel  Lehman.  9. 
For  the  Chippeway  Church,  Wayne  County,  Ohio,  Joseph 
Rittenhouse,  Jacob  Garver,  Conrod  Kayler.  10.  For  the 
St.  Joseph  Church,  St.  Joseph  County,  Indiana;  Bloom- 
ingdale  Church,  Michigan ;  Elkhart  Valley  Church,  Indi- 
ana; Solomon's  Creek  Church,  Indiana;  Antioch  Church, 
Indiana  ;  and  the  Salamony  Church,  Indiana,  D.  P.  Sayler, 
J.  Wise,  II.  D.  Davy,  C.  Long,  B.  F.  Moornaw,  J.  Quinter, 
and  Daniel  Brower.  11.  For  Hurricane  Church,  Bond 
County,  Illinois,  Joseph  Henricks,  David  Wolf,  Daniel  ISTehr. 
12.  For  the  Silver  Creek  Church,  Ogle  Count}-,  Illinois, 
John  Metzger,  Enoch  Eby,  and  Samuel  Lehman.  13.  For 
the  Owl  Creek  Church,  Knox  County,  Ohio,  Samuel  Mohler, 
James  Quinter,  David  Long,  A.  Flory,  and  Daniel  Brower. 
14.  For  Fall  Creek  Church,  Highland  County,  Ohio,  H.  D. 
Davy,  J.  Quinter,  and  J.  Franec. 

Art.  25.  Requests  for  the  Annual  Meeting:  1.  The  Elk 
Lick  congregation,  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  renews 
its  application  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1873.  2.  A  re- 
quest for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  southern  Illinois  in  1874. 

As  there  was  but  one  request  for  the  Anuual  Meeting  in 
1873,  that  from  Somerset  County,  Pennsylvania,  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  1873  will  be  held,  the  Lord  willing,  at  the  usual 
time,  commencing  on  the  first  Tuesday  after  Whitsunday, 
with  the  brethren  of  the  Elk  Lick  Church,  Somerset 
County,  Pennsylvania.  All  the  needful  information  con- 
cerning the  place,  etc.,  will  be  given  in  due  time. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  correspond 
with  the  railroad  companies,  to  obtain  half-fare  rates  for 
going  to  the  meeting:  John  Beeghly,  of  Illinois,  G.  Wi't- 
wer,  of  Missouri,  and  Jesse  Calvert,  of  Indiana,  for  the 
railroad  west  of  Pittsburg;  and  H.  R.  Holsinger  for  the 
Pittsburg,  Baltimore  and  Washington  railroad. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        379 

After  singing,  exhortation,  and  prayer,  the, meeting  ad- 
journed. 

Standing  committee  and  officers  :  II.  D.  Davy,  Jacob 
Garver,  John  Brown,  D.  B.  Sturgis,  Jacob  Metzger,  K.  H. 
Miller,  Samuel  Lehman,  John  Metzger,  E.  K.  Beeghly, 
Christian  Long,  Daniel  Zook,  William  Gish,  Samuel  Mohler, 
A.  Malsbee,  Ab.  Naff,  Solomon  Garber,  Martin  Cosner,  D. 
Long,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Jacob  Riner,  Jos.  Hanawalt,  J.  Wise, 
and  J.  Quinter. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1873. 

On  Monday,  June  2d,  the  standing  committee  met  and 
organized,  and  prepared  a  considerable  amount  of  business 
for  the  General  Council. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  general  council-meeting  was 
opened  in  the  ordinary  manner  by  devotional  exercises,  and 
the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  the  Acts  of  the 
Apostles. 

The  following  queries  were  presented  by  the  delegates 
from  the  several  districts,  and  were  considered  in  the  fear 
of  the  Lord,  and  were  decided  as  herein  stated : 

Article  1.  Is  it  consistent  for  brethren  to  have  their  lives 
insured  ?  and  how  shall  we  proceed  with  those  brethren 
who  have  their  lives  insured?  Answer:  It  is  inconsistent 
for  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  2.  What  Scripture  shall  we  name  as  an  answer  to 
the  following  question:  How  shall  those  officers  among  us 
be  installed,  whose  duty  it  is  to  serve  tables  and  to  attend 
to  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the  poor  members?  An- 
swer :  Inasmuch  as  it  is  not  certain  that  the  seven  persons 
on  whom  hands  were  laid  (Acts  vi.  6)  are  to  perform  the 
precise  work  that  our  visiting  brethren  are  to  do,  and  if 


880  MINUTES    OF 

they  were  not,  then  the  manner  of  installation  may  differ, 
and  the  manner  of  installing  our  visiting  brethren  may 
be  sought  for  in  the  general  principles  of  the  gospel,  and 
not  in  any  one  passage,  and  so  the  answer  of  our  brethren 
may  be  given. 

Akt.  3.  Is  it  not  sufficient,  and  according  to  the  gospel, 
to  ask  the  candidate  for  baptism,  while  in  the  water,  the 
only  question,  Dost  thou  believe  that  Jesus-  Christ  is  the 
Son  of  God  ?  instead  of  using  the  words  of  the  formula, 
found  in  the  minutes  of  1858,  Art.  41?  Answer:  We 
think  one  question  is  not  sufficient,  and  therefore  make  no 
change  in  our  present  practice. 

Art.  4.  Whereas,  there  is  a  difference  of  practice  among 
the  brethren,  in  proceeding  with  members  who  trespass  in 
congregations  in  which  they  have  not  their  membership, 
some  trying  the  case  in  the  congregation  where  the  trespass 
was  committed,  while  others  would  try  it  in  the  congrega- 
tion where  they  live.  Will  not  this  meeting  say  where  the 
offense  shall  be  tried,  and  thereby  establish  a  uniform  prac- 
tice in  the  brotherhood  ?  Answer :  The  offender  should  be 
tried  in  the  congregation  in  which  the  offense  was  com- 
mitted. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  right  to  gather  or  boil  sugar-water  on  the 
Sabbath  or  Lord's-day  ?     Answer:  It  is  not  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  6.  We  request  district-meetings  and  the  Annual 
Meeting  to  decide  that  no  report  of  the  proceedings  of  our 
Annual  Meetings,  further  than  than  the  queries  and  an- 
swers thereto,  be  published.  Answer:  We  decide  that  a 
synopsis  of  the  reasons  given  as  a  basis  for  decision,  may 
be  given,  but  no  names  of  speakers  be  used,  and  that  the 
publishers  shall  be  responsible  to  the  Annual  Meeting  for 
their  report 

Art.  7.  Whereas,  the  "Christian  Family  Companion" 
and  "Pilgrim"  have  published  articles  with  reference  to 
decisions  of  questions  of  Annual  Meetings,  differing  from 
the  sentiment  contained  in  said  decisions;  and,  also,  com- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         381 

munications  from  others,  even  from  those  who  are  not 
members  of  the  church,  and  even  from  expelle'd  members, 
reflecting  seriously  upon  the  character  of  the  Aunual 
Meeting ;  therefore,  resolved,  that  the  editors  of  said  peri- 
odicals be  required  to  make  acknowledgment  of  their 
offense,  and  to  promise  to  be  more  guarded  in  the  future  in 
this  respect.  The  acknowledgment  was  made,  and  the 
promise  given. 

Art.  8.  Whereas,  Bro.  II.  1\.  Ilolsinger  has  committed 
great  offense  to  the  brethren  at  our  present  Annual  Meet- 
ing by  pursuing  the  course  he  has.  When  complaints  had 
been  presented  from  various  places  or  districts  in  the  broth- 
erhood of  the  language  he  used  in  his  paper,  and  when  a 
humble  and  meek  explanation  was  expected  by  the  breth- 
ren, he,  before  the  whole  congregation,  made  assertions  and 
insinuations  which  grieved  the  brethren  more  than  his 
previous  offenses,  and  to  the  dishonor  of  the  brotherhood. 
1.  The  spirit  that  he,  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  mani- 
fested, we  consider  altogether  contrary  to  the  gospel,  and 
the  profession  and  character  of  our  brotherhood.  2.  He 
declared  that  a  brother,  and  the  connection  in  which  he 
made  the  remark  showed  that  it  was  a  brother  of  some 
eminence,  would  suppress  the  printing  of  the  Bible.  With 
no  testimony  before  him  warranting  him  to  make  such  a 
declaration,  we  consider  the  charge  a  dishonor  to  the  broth- 
erhood. 3.  h\  speaking  against  a  brother,  in  warm  and 
strong  language,  and  in  alluding  to  the  business  that  had 
been  done  in  the  morning,  which  business  pertained  to  a 
point  which  had  given  the  brethren  much  trouble,  but 
which  was  apparently  settled  quite  as  satisfactorily  as  could 
have  been  expected,  and  when  we  felt  pleasantly  over  it,  he 
said,  alluding  especially  to  the  elders,  "  They  were  asked 
to  give  the  words  of  the  Lord,  and  refused  to  do  so."  We 
consider  this  remark,  in  the  connection  in  which  it  was 
used,  injurious  to  the  influence  of  the  elders.  4.  In  say- 
ing that  one  of  the  brethren  used  sophistry  in  his  speech, 


382  MINUTES    OF 

we  consider  a  great  violation  of  Christian  courtesy  and 
brotherly  love.  5.  In  declaring  that  he  would  never  sub- 
mit to  a  certain  restraint  that  was  under  consideration,  he 
plainly  showed  a  spirit  of  disobedience  and  insubordination 
to  the  church.  The  offenses  alluded  to  in  the  foregoine 
were  by  no  means  confined  to  the  elders  or  standing  com- 
mittee, but  they  were  very  extensive  in  the  congregation. 
The  impropriety  of  the  unchristian  course  pursued,  grieved 
a  large  number  of  members,  as  their  strong  feelings,  ex- 
pressed after  the  meeting  closed,  plainly  indicated.  Now, 
in  view  of  the  foregoing  considerations,  we  require  a  very 
humble  acknowledgment  of  Bro.  H.  R.  Holsinger,  for  his 
offenses,  and  an  assurance  that  his  course  in  the  future 
shall  be  more  respectful  to  the  church  and  elders,  and  more 
in  accordance  with  the  meekness  and  brotherly  love  incul- 
cated in  the  gospel.  An  acknowledgment  was  made,  and 
the  assurance  given. 

Art.  9.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  or  is  it  conforming 
to  the  world,  when  brethren  subscribe  for  railroad  stock  ? 
Answer:  We  know  of  no  direct  Scripture  forbidding  it; 
but  inasmuch  as  it  brings  us  into  associations  in  which  we 
are  liable  to  violate  our  Christian  principles,  we  would  ad- 
vise brethren  not  to  engage  in  it. 

Art.  10.  Is  it  according  to  the  Scripture,  and  the  order 
of  the  brotherhood,  to  have  two  or  more  housekeepers  in 
the  same  church,  at  the  same  time  ?  Answer:  It  is  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  order  of  the  brotherhood,  and  also  in 
accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel.  (See  Titus  I.  5 ; 
II.  Tim.  ii.  2. 

Art.  11.  As  the  Annual  Meeting  has  given  the  liberty  to 
hold  Sabbath-schools,  if  held  according  to  the  gospel,  this 
district-meeting  thinks  the  Annual  Meeting  should  give 
the  order  for  holding  Sabbath-schools.  Answer :  This 
query  is  answered  in,  or  designed  to  be  answered  in,  the 
answer  to  Art.  14,  of  the  minutes  of  1868.  And  in  addi- 
tion to  said  answer,  we  would  say  that  our  Sabbath-schools 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  383 

should  be  held,  as  all  our  meetings  should  be  held,  to  the 
glory  of  God.  (I.  Cor.  x.  31.)  And  as  the  .object  of  our 
Sabbath-school  is  to  teach  children  Christianity,  Sabbath- 
school  teachers  should  observe  the  directions  given  by  Paul 
to  parents,  in  which  he  admonishes  us  to  bring  up  our  chil- 
dren in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Eph. 
vr.  4. 

Art.  12.  This  district-meeting  requests  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing of  1873  to  reconsider  Art.  15,  of  the  minutes  of  1868, 
touching  the  propriety  of  brethren  going  on  stands  to 
preach.     Answer :  Let  this  matter  rest  as  it  now  is. 

Art.  13.  This  district-meeting  requests  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  reconsider  Art.  19,  of  the  minutes  of  1858,  concern- 
ing the  manner  of  advancing  brethren  in  the  miuistry,  from 
the  first  to  the  second  degree.  Answer  :  "We  consider  the 
order  given  in  Art.  19,  of  the  minutes  of  1858,  the  proper 
order. 

Art.  14.  When  churches  or  individuals  call  for  commit- 
tees, shall  the  party  calling  for  the  committee  pay  the  ex- 
penses of  said  committee,  or  shall  the  committee  say  which 
party  shall  pay  the  expenses?  Answer:  We  think  the 
committee  shall  say  who  shall  pay  the  expenses. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  agreeable  with  the  gospel,  or  the  old  order 
of  the  brethren,  for  members  to  have  musical  instruments 
in  their  houses,  such  as  organs  or  a  fiddle,  for  their  amuse- 
ment, or  for  the  amusement  of  the  young  people,  and  to 
play  on  them  on  the  Lo.rd's-day,  after  they  return  from 
worship?  Answer:  We  think  it  unauthorized  by  the  gos- 
pel, and  clearly  opposed  to  the  order  of  the  old  brethren, 
and  the  doctrine  of  self-denial,  and  not  calculated  to  pro- 
mote vital  Christianity. 

Art.  16.  Will  this  district-meeting  petition  the  Annual 
Meeting  to  grant  the  right  to  districts,  at  their  meetings, 
to  appoint,  if  necessary,  committees  to  investigate  and  set- 
tle difficulties  that  may  exist  within  the  bounds  of  the  dis- 
trict, and  such  selections  to  be  made  of  brethren  residing 


384  MINUTES    OF 

■within  the  limits  of  the  district  in  which  such  difficulties 
may  exist,  except  in  cases  in  which  a  majority  of  the 
churches  composing  a  district  are  involved?  Answer:  "We 
think  it  best  to  make  no  change  from  our  present  practice 
in  selecting  committees. 

Art.  17.  Since  the  district-meeting  of  middle  Indiana,, 
last  year,  had  under  consideration  the  orphan's  home,  or  a 
home  for  orphan  children,  and  expressed  itself  favorable, 
but  laid  it  over  for  further,  consideration,  will  not  this  meet- 
ing take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  erecting  a  home 
for  orphan  children,  and  members  who  are  a  church  charge : 
Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  does  not  see  the  propriety 
of  adopting  such  measures  at  present,  but  if  the  middle- 
district  of  Indiana  desires  to  do  so,  we  will  not  oppose  it.. 

Art.  18.  Is  it  right  to  put  a  brother  into  the  office  to 
serve  as  deacon  or  minister  that  does  not  conform  to  the- 
order  of  the  church,  or  allow  them  to  serve  in  any  church 
business  at  district  or  Yearly  Meetings  ?  And  would  it  not 
be  best  for  brethren  that  officiate  where  an  election  is  going 
on  to  instruct  the  church  not  to  give  their  voice  to  any 
that  do  not  conform  to  the  order  of  the  church  ?  Answer : 
We  advise  brethren  to  be  very  careful  in  giving  the  breth- 
ren power  or  office  who  will  not  conform  to  the  order. 

Art.  19.  "What  is  to  be  done  in  case  one  of  the  members 
of  the  church  pleads  guilty  in  the  act  of  fornication,  is  it 
the  duty  of  the  housekeeper  of  said  church  to  take  the 
voice  of  every  member  present,  whether  such  an  one  is 
only  to  be  excommunicated,  or  put  in  avoidance,  or  is  it 
the  duty  for  such  housekeeper  to  put  such  a  member  into 
avoidance  at  once,  according  to  I.  Cor.  v  ?  Answer :  "We 
consider  that  an  elder  has  no  right  to  either  expel  a  mem- 
ber from  the  church,  or  to  put  him  in  avoidance,  without 
the  counsel, of  the  church. 

Art.  20.  Do  the  brethren  not  think  it  proper  to  exert 
their  influence  against  the  admission  into  the  church  of  the 
new  hymn-book  with  notes?     Answer:  "We  advise  all  dis- • 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         885 

tricts  of  churches  to  keep  them  out  of  the  church  in  pub- 
lic worship. 

Art.  21.  Inasmuch  as  ofttimes  the  innocent  party  must 
call  for  a  committee  and  hear  all  expenses,  would  it  not  be 
more  just  for  the  committee  to  decide- who  is  to  pay  the 
expenses  ?     Answer  :  We  think  the  committee  is  to  decide. 

Art.  22.  A  man  who  was  living  in  adultery,  after  mak- 
ing a  full  statement  of  his  standing  to  the  brethren,  was 
received  into  the  church  and  afterward  received  a  letter  of 
full  membership  from  said  church  and  moved  into  another 
district  of  the  church,  and  this  church  rejected  him  by  the 
decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1850,  Art.  12  ;  would 
it  be  according  to  gospel,  and  decisions  of  the  Annual 
Meeting,  for  the  brethren  that  received  him  into  the  church 
to  make  acknowledgment  to  the  man  also,  or  only  to  the 
church  ?  Answer  :  We  consider  that  the  brethren  who  re- 
ceived him  should  make  acknowledgment  to  the  church,, 
and  also  to  the  man,  if  he  shall  ask  it,  and  give  him  area- 
son  for  receiving  him. 

Art.  23.  Inasmuch  as  Art.  11,  of  1872,  is  not  heeded, 
will  not  the  Annual  Meeting  devise  some  plan  to  have  it 
enforced  throughout  the  whole  brotherhood?  Answer: 
In  case  a  church  permits  its  members  to  take  illegal  inter- 
est in  opposition  to  the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
1872,  Art.  11,  the  aggrieved  members  may  apply  to  the 
Annual  Meeting  for  a  committee. 

Art.  24.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  constant  additions  to  the 
church  and  to  the  ministry  of  young  brethren  who  are  de- 
sirous to  learn  the  proceedings  of  our  Annual  Meetino-g 
would  it  not  be  advisable  to  publish,  in  pamphlet  form,  all 
the  minutes  of  Annual  Meetings  since  the  last  date  of  those 
contained  in  the  Encyclopedia,  including  also  those  not 
published  in  this  Encyclopedia,  previous  to  said  date,  and 
have  said  pamphlet  arranged  so  as  to  admit  subsequent 
minutes.  Answer:  We  think  it  best  to  defer  this  ques- 
tion. 

25 


386  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  25.  Is  it  right  for  the  brethren  to  solemnize  mar- 
riages in  cases  where  parties  are  divorced  and  second  parties 
yet  living?     Answer:  No. 

Art.  26.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  differences  of  opinion 
among  the  brethren  as  to  the  nature  of  offenses  that  should 
be  settled  between  the  parties  immediately  concerned,  or 
that  may  be  brought  directly  to  the  church,  it  is  desired 
that  this  meeting  define  this  subject  more  clearly,  so  as  to 
bring  about  more  unanimity  of  opinion  and  action.  An- 
swer :  All  offenses  that  are  strictly  against  a  brother  or 
sister  should  be  settled  according  to  Matt,  xviii.,  but  such 
as  are  of  a  general  nature,  affecting  the  whole  body,  said 
body  must  be  concerned  in  settling  of  its  own  accounts. 
In  case  a  brother  neglects  or  refuses  to  go  according  to 
Matt,  xviil,  then  the  church  should  send  brethren  to  in- 
vestigate, and  report  to  the  church  as  directed  in  Matt. 
XVIII. 

Art.  27.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  council  districts 
to  -select  brethren  from  among  their  ministers  and  send 
them  to  preach  the  gospel  in  places  where  there  are  no 
ministering  brethren,  and  where  people  desire  the  brethren 
to  preach,  and  to  pay  the  traveling  expenses  of  such  breth- 
ren ?  Answer:  It  is  according  to  the  gospel,  and  the  deci- 
sions of  the  Annual  Meeting?  (See  Minutes  of  1868, 
iArt.21.) 

Art.  28.  Requests  for  committees  to  visit  churches  to 
settle  difficulties,  and  which  were  granted:  1.  Inasmuch  as 
the  elder  of  the  Spring  Creek  Church,  in  Lebanon  County, 
Pennsylvania,  called  for  assistance  to  settle  difficulties  in 
said  church,  we  grant  them  the  following  committee  :  D. 
Oerlach,  C.  Bombarger,  and  Samuel  Harley,  of  Ephrata. 
.2.  A  request  from  the  Upper  Deer  Creek  Church,  Cass 
County,  Indiana.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the  fol- 
lowing brethren  were  selected  :  Joseph  McCarty,  John  E. 
Shively,  and  Gotleib  Keller.  3.  A  request  for  a  committee 
to  go  to  Indian  Creek  Church,  Montgomery  County,  Penn- 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         387 

sylvania.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the  following 
brethren  were  appointed  :  Moses  Miller,  D.  P.  Sayler,  Dan- 
iel Keller,  J.  G.  Glock,  and  Jacob  Price.  4.  A  committee 
to  Salarnony  and  Antioch  churches,  Huntington  County'. 
Indiana,  consisting  of  H.  D.  Davy,  Daniel  Brower,  and 
John  Wise.  5.  A  request  for  a  committee  to  go  to  Astoria 
Church,  Pulton  County,  Illinois.  The  request  was  granted, 
and  the  following  brethren  were  appointed :  II.  D.  Davy, 
R.  II.  Miller,  John  Metzger,  and  E.  Eby.  6.  A  request 
from  the  Yellow  Creek  Church,  Bedford  County,  Pennsyl- 
vania. Request  granted,  and  the  following  brethren  were 
appointed :  Isaac  Myers,  Jacob  Price,  and  J.  G.  Glock.  7. 
A  request  from  the  Black  River  congregation,  Van  Buren 
County,  Michigan,  for  a  committee.  The  request  was 
granted, and  the  following  brethren  were  appointed:  Jacob 
Berkey,  H.  D.  Davy,  and  D.  B.  Sturgis.  8.  A  request  from 
the  Waterloo  Church  to  settle  difficulties.  The  request 
was  granted,  and  the  following  brethreu  were  appointed: 
Henry  Strickler,  Peter  Forney,  A.  Stamy,  and  Thomas 
Snyder. 

Art.  29.  The  request  for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  southern 
Illinois,  in  1874,  was  renewed  and  granted.  Consequently, 
the  next  Annual  Meeting,  the  Lord  willing,  will  be  held  in 
Macoupin  County,  Illinois,  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Joseph 
Filbrun,  on  the  railroad  from  Chicago  to  Springfield  and 
St.  Louis,  and  between  Virden  and  Girard. 

The  following  brethren  were  appointed  to  correspond 
with  the  railroad  companies  to  obtain  half-fare  rates  for 
going  to  the  meeting:  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad,  D.*P. 
Sayler  ;  Pittsburgh,  Ft.  Wayne  &  Chicago,  and  Pittsburgh, 
Cincinnati  &  St.  Louis  Railroad,  II.  D.  Davy;  Ohio  &  Mis- 
sissippi, John  Beeghly;  Chesapeake  &  Ohio,  J.  S.  Flory ; 
Pennsylvania  Central,  II.  R.  Holsinger.  Further  informa- 
tion will  be  given  in  due  time. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  thanking  the  railroad  compa- 


388  MINUTES    OF 

nies  that  had  granted  excursion  rates  to  persons  attending 
the  meeting.  After  singing,  exhortation,  and  prayer,  the 
meeting  closed. 

Standing  committee  and  officers:  Henry  Garst,  B.  F. 
Moornaw,  S.  Garver,  M.  Cossner,  D.  P.  Sayler,  D.  Long,. 
David  Gerlach,  Jacob  Price,  John  Wise,  H.  D.  Davy,  John 
Brillhart,  Jacob  Garver,  D.  B.  Sturgis,  John  Baker,  Joseph 
McCart}',  E.  Eb}',  John  Metzger,  Henry  Strickler,  R.  Bad- 
ger. C.  Harader,  and  J.  Quinter. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1874. 

The  standing  committee  met  on  Monday  and  organized. 
On  Tuesday  morning  the  meeting  was  opened  in  the 
usual  manner,  by  devotional  exercises,  and  the  reading  of 
the  fifteenth  chapter  of  Acts.  The  delegates  then,  from 
the  different  districts,  as  they  were  called,  presented  the- 
queries  committed  to  them,  and  they  were  considered  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  answered  as  herein  stated  : 

Article  1.  As  Art.  6,  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1873, 
allows  only  the  publishing  of  a  "synopsis  of  the  reasons- 
given  as  a  basis  for  decision,  but  no  names  of  speakers," 
will  not  this  Annual  Meeting  allow  the  publishing  of  a  full 
report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  together 
with  the  names  of  the  speakers?  Answer:  We  make  no 
change. 

Art.  2.  Inasmuch  as  the  public  mind  is  awakened  on  the 
subject  of  peace,  both  among  nations  and  societies,  should 
not  the  church  at  large  take  notice  of  "the  signs  of  the 
times,"  and  teach  more  earnestly  at  this  time  this  cardinal 
doctrine  of  Christ  and  the  church?  Answer:  We  think 
the  church  should  do  so. 

Art.  3.  The  eastern  district  of  Maryland  humbly  asks 
the  Annual   Meeting  to  pass  Art.  24,  of  the  minutes  of 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         389 

1873,  and  appoint  a  committee  to  attend  to  said  business. 
Answer :  The  request  is  granted. 

Art.  4.  A  brother,  holding  the  office  of  a  deacon  in  the 
•church,  and  is  nominated  for  the  office  of  county  commis- 
sioner, and  accepts  of  the  nomination,  the  church  then 
takes  his  office  from  him.  Does  the  coming  district  and 
Annual  Meetings  decide  and  determine  that  the  gospel 
also  demands  and  requires  that  the  church  deprive  the 
brother  from  the  privilege  of  communing,  or,  in  other 
words,  of  partaking  of  the  emblems  of  the  broken  body 
of  the  Lord?  If  so,  let  the  gospel  authority  be  produced. 
Answer:  The  church  is  justified,  according  to  the  gospel, 
-and  the  order  of  the  brethren,  in  prohibiting  such  a  brother 
from  the  communion  ;  and  any  brother  who  will  contend 
publicly  or  privately,  that  it  is  not  wrong  for  a  Christian 
to  hold  the  office  of  county  commissioner  should  be  ad- 
monished in  love  to  do  so  no  more,  and  if  he  does,  the 
church  should  deal  with  him  according  to  Matt.  xvur. 
(See  Romans  xvi.  7,  18  ;  II.  Thess.  in.  14, 15  ;  Matt.  vi.  24; 
Brethren's  Encyclopedia,  page  23 ;  Minutes  of  1778  and 
1779  ;  and  first  page,  Minutes  of  1797  ;  also  page  110,  Min- 
utes of  1822,  Art.  6  ;  also  Minutes  of  1861,  Art.  3.) 

Art.  5.  Since  it  is  fashionable  for  the  world  to  wear  the 
mustache,  the  brethren  are  adopting  it  and  claim  for  it 
liberty  of  conscience,  saying  that  it  is  good  for  the  eyes, 
are  brethren  compelled  to  salute  such  if  they  can  not  do  it 
without  doing  violence  to  their  conscience?  Answer: 
Brethren  should  never  wear  a  mustache  only,  or  fashion- 
able beard,  according  to  the  fashion  of  the  world ;  and  if 
they  do,  they  will  fall  into  the  council  of  the  church. 

Art.  6.  Inasmuch  as  the  answer  to  Art.  21,  of  the  min- 
utes of  1872,  in  reference  to  brethren  engaging  in  the  bank- 
ing business  is  considered  indefinite,  and  as  some  take  ad- 
vantage of  this  circumstance  and  do  engage  in  the  business, 
will  not  this  district-meeting  request  the  Annual'Meeting 
to  reconsider  said  query,  and  give  a  more  positive  answer? 


390  MINUTES    OF 

AVe  agree  to  ask  the  Annual  Meeting  for  a  reconsideration 
of  said  query.  Answer  :  We,  according  to  the  above  re- 
quest, are  willing  to  reconsider  the  query  alluded  to  ;  but 
we  do  not  see  our  way  clear  to  make  any  decision  more 
positive  than  we  have  already  made.  But  we  would  ad- 
monish brethren  to  be  very  careful  in  engaging  in  all  kinds 
of  business,  and  especially  in  business  done  by  incorporated 
bodies,  such  as  railroads  and  banking  companies,  since  by 
so  doing  they  may  be  brought  into  dangerous  associations 
with  ungodly  men. 

Art.  7.  This  district-meeting  petitions  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  grant  to  district-meetings  the  privilege  of  sending 
to  the  Annual  Meeting  queries  and  petitions  that  may 
originate  during  their  sessions.  Answer :  Considered  best 
not  to  grant  the  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  8.  Would  it  not  be  proper  for  the  Annual  Meeting 
to  adopt  a  form,  to  be  used  by  the  elders  installing  a 
brother  into  the  first  and  second  degrees  of  the  ministry,, 
so  that  all  ministers  would  be  installed  in  office  by  a  uni- 
form charge,  as  is  done  in  regard  to  installing  deacons? 
Art.  4,  in  the  minutes  of  1835.  Answer:  The  elder  in- 
stalling a  brother  into  the  first  degree  of  the  ministry, 
should  give  the  following  charge:  "The  duties  of  the 
brother  elected,  while  in  the  first  degree  of  the  ministry, 
are  not  very  onerous.  The  church  authorizes  him  to  ex- 
hort and  to  preach  as  an  assistant  to  the  elder  and  older 
ministers,  as  they  may  give  him  liberty  to  do.  It  is  his 
duty,  however,  faithfully  to  attend  the  meetings  rof  the 
church,  and  when  liberty  is  given,  to  exhort  or  preach,  and 
do  it  humbly,  and  willingly,  and  faithfully,  as  the  Lord 
will  afford  him  grace  to  do.  But  should  it  happen  that 
none  of  the  older  ministering  brethren  should  come  to  the 
regular  appointment,  then  it  will  be  his  duty,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized,  to  conduct  the  meeting  according  to  the 
usual  order  of  the  brethren,  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  and 
to  announce  the  regular  appointments;  but  he  has  no  au- 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  391 

thority  to  make  or  announce  any  appointments  on  his  own 
or  private  account.  In  case,  however,  he  is  called  to  preach 
on  a  funeral  occasion,  he  is  at  liberty,  and  is  hereby  author- 
ized, to  go  and  conduct  the  services  according  to  the  usual 
order  of  the  brethren.  And  it  is  thought  good  that  the 
elder  and  older  ministering  brethren  should  be  liberal  in 
giving  him  liberty  to  preach,  and  not  always  confine  him 
to  the  closing  services,  or  he  may  not  soon  learn  how  to  be 
a  'workman  approved  of  God,  that  needs  not  to  be 
ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth.' ':  The 
brother's  name  should  now  be  announced,  and  he  should 
be  called  to  come  forward,  and  asked,  before  all,  to  promise 
to  conform  to  the  general  order  of  the  brotherhood  in  dress 
and  all  matters  of  non-conformity  to  the  world,  whether 
he  accepts  the  position  into  which  the  church  purposes  to 
place  him,  and  whether  he  will  so  submit  himself;  and  if 
he  answers  in  the  affirmative,  the  brethren  will  receive  him 
with  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  and  kiss  of  charity,  and 
the  sisters  with  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  only.  And 
to  advance  a  brother  into  the  second  degree  of  the  minis- 
try, the  elder  giving  the  charge,  may  say:  "Dear  brother 
[calling  his  name],  the  church  having  called  you  into  the 
first  degree  of  the  ministry,  and  on  trial  has  confidence  in 
your  fidelity  and  integrity,  now  proposes  to  advance  you 
into  the  second  degree,  and  thereby  your  labors  will  be  in- 
creased and  your  duties  will  become  more  onerous,  and 
will  require  a  greater  sacrifice  on  your  part.  The  church 
now  authorizes  you  to  appoint  meetings  for  preaching,  ac- 
cording to  the  general  order  of  the  brethren,  to  administer 
the  ordinance  of  baptism,  and,  in  the  absence  of  an  elder,, 
to  take  the  counsel  of  the  church  on  the  admission  of  au 
applicant  for  baptism,  to  serve  the  communion  in  the  ab- 
sence of  an  elder,  or  at  his  or  their  request,  if  present,  to 
solemnize  the  right  of  marriage  according  to  the  laws  of 
the  state  and  the  usages  of  the  church.  In  brief,  to  per- 
form all  the  duties  of  an  ordained  elder,  excepting  you 


392  MINUTES    OF 

have  no  authority  to  install  officers  in  the  church,  neither 
by  giving  a  charge,  as  I  am  now  doing,  nor  by  laying  on 
hands  in  ordaining  a  brother  into  the  full  degree  of  the 
ministry.  You  have  also  no  authority  to  preside  in  the 
council-meetings  of  the  church  in  which  official  members 
of  the  church  are  to  be  dealt  with.  You  have  no  authority 
to  go  into  the  acknowledged  territory  of  any  organized 
church  to  make  appointments  for  preaching,  unless  called 
by  the  elder  or  council  of  said  church.  It  is  an  assump- 
tion of  authority  for  an  ordained  elder  to  do  so.  But  let 
it  be  understood  that  while  the  church  now  invests  you 
with  these  rights  and  privileges,  she  still  holds  you  to  the 
apostolical  injunction:  'YTe  younger,  submit  yourselves 
unto  the  elder;  yea,  all  of  you  be  subject  one  to  another, 
and  be  clothed  with  humility  ;  for  God  resisteth  the  proud, 
and  giveth  grace  to  the  humble'  (I.  Peter  v.  5),  and  will 
hold  you  amenable  to  her  councils;  and  if  you  manifest  an 
arbitrary  self-will  and  domineering  spirit,  the  same  author- 
ity which  now  gives  you  these  privileges,  will,  if  need  re- 
quires it,  suspend  yon,  and  take  from  you  all  the  authority 
she  now  gives  you."  The  brother  should  rise  on  his  feet, 
and  be  asked  to  promise  to  conform  to  the  general  order 
of  the  brotherhood  in  dress  and  all  matters  of  non-con- 
formity to  the  world,  and  whether  he  accepts  this  position, 
and  whether  he  will  submit  himself;  and  if  he  answers  in 
the  affirmative,  the  church  should  again  receive  him,  as  at 
first,  with  hand  and  kiss. 

Art.  9.  Is  it  wrong  for  brethren  to  organize  a  class  for 
singing  purposes,  and  have  it  taught  in  their  meeting- 
houses, if  it  is  done  in  good  order?  Answer:  It  i3  not 
wrong,  if  the  church  is  willing. 

Art.  10.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren,  when  assembled  in 
Annual  Council  in  the  year  1881,  decided  it  not  to  be  ad- 
visable for  a  brother  to  have  his  son  educated  in  a  college; 
"inasmuch,  "they  say,  "as  experience  has  taught  us  that 
such  very  seldom  will  come  back  afterward  to  the  humble 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         393 

ways  of  the  Lord,"  what  will  this  district-meeting  and  our 
Aunual  Meeting  say  when  a  combination  of  brethren  are 
trying  to  get  up  a  high  school  for  the  more  thorough  edu- 
cation of  the  brethren's  children,  and  term  it  the  "Breth- 
ren's School?"  Auswer:  Referred  to  the  minutes  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1858,  Art.  51.  But  the  brethren  shall 
not  call  the  school  the  "Brethren's  School,"  or  by  any 
other  name  that  would  involve  the  general  brotherhood. 

Art.  11.  Will  the  Annual  Meeting  state  what  relations 
are  meant  by  "  nearest  relations,"  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Annual  Meeting  of  1838,  Art.  8?  Answer:  By  "nearest 
relations,"  is  meant  father  and  mother,  brother  and  sister, 
son  and  daughter,  and  husband  or  wife  of  the  accused. 

Art.  12.  Would  it  not  be  better,  and  nearer  the  gospel 
and  our  profession,  to  have  no  stand  and  platform  elevated 
at  the  place  of  holding  our  Annual  Meeting,  for  the  com- 
mittee brethren  and  others  of  the  meeting  to  sit  and  stand 
upon  during  the  time  of  council?  Answer:  It  is  best  to 
have  no  stand  or  platform  in  the  Annual  Council. 

Art.  1 3.  The  district-meeting  of  the  middle  district  of 
Iowa,  does  sincerely  ask  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1874  to 
prayerfully  consider  the  propriety  of  making  a  change  in 
the  manner  of  holding  our  Annual  Meeting.  Answer: 
We  do  not  consider  it  necessary  to  make  any  further  change 
from  the  plan  adopted  by  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1868,  than 
what  has  been  already  made;  but  we  are  deeply  impressed, 
from  our  experience  with  the  present  meeting,  of  the  pro- 
priety of  adhering  strictly  to  the  order  established  at  the 
Annual  Meeting  above  referred  to,  and  we  urge  upon  the 
churches  holding  the  Annual  Meeting,  to  hold  it  according 
to  the  order  alluded  to.  And  we  want  it  further  under- 
stood, that  there  shall  be  no  provisions  made  for  boarding 
at  the  meeting  until  Monday,  the  day  before  the  commence- 
ment of  the  council. 

Art.  14.  Inasmuch  as  many  brethren  and  sisters  are  ag- 
grieved at  the  statements  made  by  Bro.  D.  P.  Sayler,  in  the 


394  MINUTES    OF 

"Gospel  Visitor/'  Vol.  22,  No.  10,  page  293,  lirst  column, 
commencing  eighteen  lines  from  the  top,  should  he  not 
make  a  public  acknowledgment?  Answer:  As  Bro.  Say- 
ler's  views  of  the  passage  of  Scripture,  in  relation  to  which 
the  objectionable  sentiments  were  advanced,  was  given  as 
his  individual  sentiment,  and  not  the  sentiment  of  the 
brotherhood;  and  as  the  church  has  not  expressed  its  view 
of  the  passage,  we  think  it  premature  to  ask  him  to  make 
public  satisfaction. 

Art.  15.  "Will  this  district-meeting  ask  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  decide  that  when  a  committee  is  sent  by  the  Annual 
Meeting  into  any  district  to  settle  difficulties,  and  elders  or 
other  members  are  involved,  more  or  less,  in  the  trouble  to 
be  settled,  and  who  live  in  adjoining  or  other  districts,  that 
it  may  have  the  right  to  call  such  into  the  district  into 
which  the  committee  is  called,  and  there  settle  the  diffi- 
culties of  those  called?  Or,  should  the  committee  go  into 
the  district  and  there  hear  and  decide  the  case,  that  a 
final  settlement  of  the  trouble  may  be  effected  ?  Answer: 
All  committees  may  have  the  power  asked  for  in  the  query, 
to  call  for  such  persons  as  are  alluded  to. 

Art.  16.  Inasmuch  as  the  Savior  says,  "In  secret  have  I 
said  nothing,"  will  the  Annual  Meeting  decide  that  the 
churches  may  ask  the  applicant  for  baptism  all  the  ques- 
tions in  the  presence  of  the  whole  congregation  ?  Answer  : 
We  think  it  best  to  make  no  general  change  from  the  order 
given  in  the  minutes  of  1848;  neither  do  we  think  it  nec- 
essary to  make  any  change  to  meet  the  case  of  the  question, 
since  in  the  order  of  1848,  above  alluded  to,  it  is  not  said 
whether  the  questions  shall  be  put  publicly  or  privately, 
and  so  in  particular  cases  it  may  be  done  publicly.  But 
when  there  is  no  necessity  of  doing  otherwise,  let  the  ques- 
tions, after  the  examination,  be  put  to  the  candidate  before 
the  church  alone,  as  is  the  general  practice  of  the  brother- 
'hood. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         395 

Art.  17.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  is  favorable 
to  the  holding  of  protracted  meetings,  what  right  have  the 
bishops  and  householders  of  certain  districts  of  churches 
to  limit  such  meetings  to  a  series  not  exceeding  three  in 
number?  Answer:  They  have  the  right,  if  the  meetings 
are  not  conducted  in  the  order  of  the  gospel  and  of  the 
church. 

Art.  18.  Since  the  Macedonian  call  is  heard  from  many 
places  over  the  land,  and  as  the  gospel  says,  "go,"  and  as 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  1868  has  formed  a  plan,  will  not 
this  Annual  Meeting  of  1874  perfect  the  plan  and  carry  it 
into  effect  ?  Answer  :  We  can  not  see  how  we  can  make 
a  more  perfect  plan  than  the  one  referred  to  in  the  query, 
but  we  request  the  churches  having  such  calls  to  make  ar- 
rangements to  carry  out  said  plan. 

Art.  19.  Will  not  this  district-meeting  petition  the  An- 
nual Meeting  of  1874  to  reconsider  Art.  4,  of  the  minutes 
of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1873  ?  Answer  :  Yes,  and  have 
the  answer  to  read  as  follows  :  "A  member  should  be  tried 
in  the  church  where  his  membership  is,  except  where  a 
member  commits  an  offense  in  his  church  and  changes  his 
membership  before  it  is  settled  ;  he  shall  then  go  back  to 
the  church  he  left  and  be  tried  there."  Confirmed  by  the 
Annual  Meeting  upon  a  reconsideration  of  the  query. 

Art.  20.  If  a  church  is  dissatisfied  with  members  that 
go  to  Sunday-school  conventions,  and  pass  a  decision  that 
members  shall  "not  go  to  such  places,  and  if  they  do  go, 
that  they  must  make  an  acknowledgment  for  the  same, 
can  the  church  enforce  such  decision  without  the  sanction 
of  the  Annual  Meeting?  Answer:  We  think  it  has  the 
power. 

Art.  21.  As  there  is  not  a  uniformity  of  practice  among 
the  brethren  in  reference  to  saluting  our  colored  members, 
will  not  the  brethren  in  Annual  Council  give  us  a  decision 
that  will  enable  us  to  be  one  in  practice,  and  not  be  re- 


396  MINUTES    OF 

specters  of  persons?     Answer:  We  think  it  best  to  make 
no  change  in  this  matter. 

Art.  22.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel,  or  the  order  of 
the  brethren,  to  join  the  farmer's  club,  and  even  act  as  offi- 
cers in  the  same ?  Answer :  Not  consistent  with  the  sos- 
pel  to  unite  with  any  organized  body  of  the  world,  and 
any  member  that  will  not  abandon  it,  after  being  admon- 
ished so  to  do,  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to  Matt,  xviii. 

Art.  23.  Will  this  Annual  Meeting  purchase  the  tent 
now  in  use  by  the  brotherhood  in  holding  the  present  meet- 
ing?    Answer:  Considered  not  advisable  to  do  so. 

Art.  24.  Would  it  be  right  to  grant  an  expelled  preacher, 
who  violated  the  counsel  of  the  church,  and  still  goes  on 
preaching,  a  committee,  when  all  the  members  are  opposed 
to  a  committee,  and  if  the  church  would  grant  a  commit- 
tee, under  existing  circumstances,  and  such  a  preacher 
would  be  found  guilty,  would  it  be  right  for  said  brethren  and 
sisters  to  pay  the  expenses?  Answer:  No, 'and  such 
preacher  shall  be  required  to  provide  a  sufficient  amount 
to  pay  such  expenses  before  a  committee  serve. 

Art.  25.  Whereas,  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1873,  Art.  20, 
advises  all  the  churches  to  keep  the  brethren's  tune  and 
hymn-book  out  of  the  churches  in  time  of  public  worship, 
this  district-council  humbly  asks  the  Annual  Meeting  of 
1874  to  reconsider  the  said  query,  and  allow  district 
churches,  that  wish  to  do  so,  to  use  them  even  in  public 
worship.  Answer:  This  Annual  Meeting  thinks  it  best, 
upon  the  reconsideration  of  said  query,  to  let  this  subject 
remain  as  it  was  decided  at  the  last  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  26.  Inasmuch  as  the  use  of  musical  instruments 
among  us  has  caused  considerable  trouble,  and  as  decisions 
of  Annual  Meetings  are  differently  construed,  will  this 
Annual  Meeting,  therefore,  give  us  such  a  decision  that 
will  fully  authorize  the  different  branches  of  the  church  to 
keep  them  out  of  the  brotherhood,  and  get  those  out  that 
are  already  among  us?     Answer:  The  decision  of  the  last 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    TIIE    BRETHREN.  397 

Annual  Meeting  upon  the  subject  of  musical  instruments 
is  readopted. 

Art.  27.  We  desire  the  reconsideration  of  Art.  14,  of 
the  last  Annual  Meeting.  The  query  was,  whether  the 
committee  should  not  have  the  right  to  say  who  should  pay 
the  expenses  of  called  committees,  the  one  that  called  them, 
or  the  church  in  which  the  difficulty  existed;  and*  it  was 
decided  that  the  committee  should  have  that  authority. 
Answer:  We  reaffirm  the  decision  of  the  Annual  Meeting 
of  last  year  in  the  reconsideration  of  said  query. 

Call  for  committees:  1.  A  request  for  a  committee  to 
visit  the  White  Oak  Church,  Brush  Creek  Church,  Clear 
Creek  Church,  and  Fall  Creek  Church,  in  Highland  and 
Adams  counties,  Ohio.  The  following  brethren  were  ap- 
pointed :  II.  D.  Davy,  Samuel  Mohler,  J.  Wise,  R.  H.  Mil- 
ler, and  D.  Brower.  2.  Request  for  a  committee  to  visit 
the  Newton  Church,  in  Miami  Count}T,  Ohio.  The  follow- 
ing committee  were  appointed:  II.  IT.  Miller,  J.  Wise,  D. 
Brower,  Jos.  N.  Kauffman,  and  Daniel  Bowman.  3.  Re- 
quest for  a  committee  to  visit  the  church  in  Botetourt 
County,  Virginia.  The  following  brethren  were  appointed: 
D.  P.  Sayler,  II.  D.  Davy,  D.  Long,  C.  G.  Lint,  and  M. 
Miller.  4.  Request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Washing- 
ton Creek  Church,  Douglass  County,  Kansas.  The  follow- 
ing brethren  were  appointed  :  John  Hershey,  John  Forney, 
and  Jesse  Studebaker.  5.  Request  for  a  committee  to  visit 
the  Deer  Creek  Church,  Indiana.  The  following  brethren 
were  appointed:  R.  II.  Miller,  Jesse  Meyers,  and  Jacob 
Berkey.  6.  Request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Xorth 
Manchester  Church,  Indiana.  The  following  brethren 
were  appointed  :  II.  D.  Davy,  R.  II.  Miller,  John  Wise,  D. 
Brower,  and  D.  B.  Sturgis.  7.  The  following  brethren 
form  the  committee  sent  to  California:  II.  D.  Davy,  D.  P. 
Sayler,  and  B.  F.  Moomaw.  8.  The  following  brethren 
form  the  committee  to  publish  the  minutes:  IT.  D.  Davy 
and  J.  Quinter.     9.  Request  for  a  committee  to  go  to  St. 


398  MINUTES    OF 

Joseph  County,  Indiana.  The  following  brethren  were  ap- 
pointed :  If.  D.  Davy,  11.  H.  Miller,  and  J.  Metzger.  10. 
Request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Vermillion  Church,  in 
Livingston  County,  Illinois.  The  following  brethren  were 
appointed :  Jos.  Hendricks,  Enoch  Eby,_and  D.  Fry.  11. 
Request  for  a  committee  to  visit  the  Indian  Creek  Church, 
in  Montgomery  County,  Pennsylvania.  The  following 
brethren  were  appointed  :  II.  D,  Davy,  D.  Long,  D.  Keller, 
D.  Garlach,  and  C.  Gr.  Lint. 

The  following  is  the  quota  ot  each  state  district  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  of  the  committee  to  California:  Tennes- 
see, $15;  Virginia,  first  district,  $80,  second  district,  $45, 
third  district,  $25;  Maryland,  eastern  district,  $30,  western 
district,  $30;  Pennsylvania,  eastern  district,  $40,  middle 
district,  $35,  western  district,  $40 ;  Ohio,  northeastern  dis- 
trict, $40,  northwestern  district,  $30,  southwestern  district, 
$50 ;  Indiana,  northern  district,  $40,  middle  district,  $40, 
southern  district,  $40 ;  Illinois,  northern  district,  $25;  Iowa, 
northern  district,  $10,  middle  district,  $10,  southern  dis- 
trict, $5;  Missouri,  northern  district,  $5,  southern  district, 
$10;  Nebraska,  $5;  Kansas,  $5 ;  Michigan,  $5.  The  col- 
lections in  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  will  be  remitted  to 
D.  P.  Sayler ;  those  in  Virginia  and  Tennessee  to  B.  F. 
Moomaw ;  those  in  the  western  states  to  H.  D.  Davy.  The 
money  should  be  collected  and  remitted  by  the  first  of  Sep- 
tember 

Request  for  the  Annual  Meeting :  There  being  no  request 
for  the  Annual  Meeting  in  1875,  and  there  being  a  request 
from  the  Miami- Valley  Ohio,  for  the  meeting  in  1876,  it  is 
expected  that  the  next  Annual  Meeting  will  be  in  the 
Miami  Valley,  Ohio.  The  announcement  will  be  made  in 
due  time. 

The  meeting  closed  by  singing  and  prayer,  the  impression 
prevailing  that  we  had  a  pleasant  meeting,  and  that  the 
Lord  was  with  us. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         399 

Standing  committee  and  officers:  Henry  Swadley,  B.  F. 
Moomaw,  Martin  Costner,  D.  P.  Sayler,  D.  Long,  D.  Gar- 
lach,  J.  Meyers,  J.  Quinter,  Jacob  Garver,  J.  P.  Ebersole, 
II.  D.  Davy,  J.  Lichty,  George  Long,  D.  B.  Sturgis,  Jacob 
Flory,  R.  H.  Miller,  D.  Rittenhouse,  Rufus  Gish,  David 
Wolf,  E.  K.  Beeghly,  C.  Long.  C.  Harader,  G.  Witwer,  J. 
Hershey,  Jesse  Studebaker,  Enoch  Eby. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1875. 

On  Monday,  May  17th,  the  standing  committee  met  and 
organized,  by  appointing  H.  D.  Davy  moderator,  J.  Quinter 
writing  clerk,  Enoch  Eby,  reading  clerk,  and  J.  W.  Brum- 
baugh, doorkeeper. 

On  Tuesday  morning  the  public  council  was  opened  by 
devotional  exercises,  and  the  reading  of  the  fifteenth  chap- 
ter of  Acts. 

The  following  queries  were  then  presented,  and  acted 
upon  with  results  as  stated : 

Article  1.  Should  there  not  be  some  change  made  in  the 
manner  of  holding  our  Annual  Meetings?  Answer:  With 
regard  to  the  expense  of  the  meeting,  we  suggest,  that  as 
the  rule  with  us  is  that  the  said  meeting  be  held  alternately 
east  and  west  of  the  Ohio  River,  that,  therefore,  the  expenses 
of  the  said  Annual  Meeting  be  defrayed  by  the  respective 
divisions  where  held,  upon  some  equitable  mode,  the  con- 
gregation in  which  the  meeting  is  held  not  to  be  required 
to  contribute  to  said  expense  in  money,  the  trouble  incident 
to  such  a  meeting  to  be  considered  their  full  portion  of  con- 
tribution. 

The  Annual  Meeting,  instead  of  adopting  the  aDOve  an- 
swer from  the  district-meeting,  gave  the  following :  We 
think  it  best  to  make  no  such  change  as  asked  for  in  the 
query  at  present. 


400  .MINUTES    OP 

Art.  2.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel  for  brethren  to  make 
a  pool  in  a  meeting-house,  for  the  purpose  of  baptizing? 
Answer:  As  we  have  no  authority  in  the  Scriptures  for 
baptizing  in  the  house,  we  consider  it  wrong  to  do  so. 

Art.  3.  Is  it  considered  according  to  the  gospel  for  a 
church,  at  communion,  to  use  the  unfermented  juice  of 
grapes  in  place  of  wine?  Answer:  We  think  it  may  be  left 
optional  to  a  church  to  do  so,  if  the  members  are  agreed. 

Art.  4.  This  congregation  petitions  the  district-meeting 
to  petition  the  Annual  Meeting  for  an  amendment  to  the 
plan  of  holding  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  proposes  the  fol- 
lowing plan:  Let  each  district-meeting  send  one  delegate 
to  form  the  standing  committee,  and  each  church  to  have 
the  privilege  of  sending  one  or  two  delegates  as  a  home 
representation,  and  these,  in  connection  with  the  standing 
committee,  to  form  the  official  body  for  the  transaction  of 
all  business  presented  to  the  meeting  for  action.  Answer: 
We  think  it  best  not  to  make  the  proposed  change. 

Art.  5.  Is  it  right  for  the  standing  committee  to  change 
the  import  of  any  query  addressed  to  the  Annual  Meeting? 
Answer:  It  is  not  right  to  do  so. 

Art.  6.  When  members,  who  are  dependent  on  the 
church,  move  from  one  state  to  another,  expecting  to  be 
maintained  by  their  children,  and  fail,  which  church's  duty 
is  it  to  maintain  them?  Answer:  This  meeting  thinks  it 
is  the  duty  of  the  church  from  which  they  moved  to  main- 
tain them. 

Art.  7.  Whereas,  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1874,  as  per 
Art.  8,  gave  the  charges  as  given  to  ministers  in  the  first 
and  second  degrees,  will  not  this  district-meeting  ask  the 
Annual  Meeting  to  give,  also,  the  charges  and  duties  as 
given  to  ordained  elders  and  deacons,  and  have  the  charges 
of  1874  reprinted  with  these,  so  that  all  the  officers  may 
have  their  duties  set  forth  by  the  Annual  Meeting,  as  un- 
derstood by  the  church  from  the  Scriptures?  Answer: 
Deferred  until  the  next  Annual  Meeting. 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        401 

Art.  8.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  queries  before  this  meet- 
ing, both  in  favor  of  and  against  a  full  report  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  this  meeting,  and  as  there  seems  to  be  a  diffi- 
culty in  answering  these  questions  with  the  unanimity  de- 
sirable, we  think  it  best  to  defer  the  subject  until  the  next 
Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  9.  Is  it  right  for  a  brother  to  hold  the  office  of  post- 
master? Answer:  We  know  of  no  reason  why  he  should 
not. 

Art.  10.  Should  not  the  delegate  accompanying  the 
member  of  the  standing  committee  from  each  district,  be 
admitted  in  with  the  standing  committee  of  the  Annual 
Meeting,  during  the  examination  of  the  business  from  the 
district  which  he  represents?  Answer:  We  conclude  to. 
make  no  change  at  the  present. 

Art.  11.  Are  the  delegates  sent  by  the  district-meeting 
to  the  Annual  Meeting  to  represent  .the  sentiments  of  the 
district  which  sends  them,  or  have  they  the  privilege  to 
represent  their  own  sentiments?  Answer:  They  should 
represent  the  sentiments  of  their  district. 

Art.  12.  Whereas,  it  is  not  considered  to  be  according 
to  the  Scriptures  to  keep  our  poor  in  the  county  poor- 
house,  is  not  the  church  under  obligations  to  build  a  house 
to  keep  our  poor  in,  providing  the  brethren  petition  the 
legislature  to  be  exempt  from  paying  our  poor  tax  into  the 
county  treasury?  Answer:  We  refer  this  back  as  a  mat- 
ter of  purely  local  interest. 

Art.  13.  Will  this  district-meeting  ask  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  adopt  suitable  measures  to  enable  the  church  to  co- 
operate actively  with  the  peace  association  of  America? 
Answer:  Our  church  itself  beiug  a  peace  association,  we 
need  not,  as  a  body,  co-operate  with  others,  but  we  may, 
as  individuals,  give  our  influence  in  favor  of  peace. 

Art.  14.  Whereas,  there  are  many  committees  called  for 
every  year,  would  it  not  be  advisable  for  the  standing  com- 
mittee of  the  Annual  Meeting  to  be  careful,  and  not  to  se- 
26 


402  MINUTES    OF 

«> 

lect  too  many  from  their  own  body,  as  it  might  appear  to 
some  as  if  they  would  like  to  do  all  the  business  them- 
selves? Answer:  We  advise  as  Paul  does,  when  he  says: 
"Observe  these  things  without  preferring  one  before  an- 
other, doing  nothing  by  partiality." 

Art.  15.  The  church  of  Luncy's  Creek  asks  our  district 
to  petition  the  Annual  Meeting  to  change  the  name  of  our 
district  from  that  of  the  "  Third  District  of  Virginia,"  to 
that  of  the  "  District  of  West  Virginia,"  so  that  the  publica- 
tion of  our  business  may  be  understood  without  mistake. 
Answer  :  The  petition  was  granted. 

Art.  16.  Will  not  this  district-meeting  petition  the  An- 
nual Meeting  to  modify  or  change  a  small  portion  of  the 
answer  to  Art.  8,  of  1874,  where  it  says :  "  You  have  no  au- 
thority to  go  into  acknowledged  territory  of  any  organized 
church  to  make  appointments  for  preaching,  unless  called 
by  the  elder  or  council  of  said  church.  It  is  an  assumption 
of  authority  for  an  ordained  elder  to  do  so,"  and  not  limit 
them  ;  for  the  Savior  says  :  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and 
preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature."  Mark  xvi.  15.  An- 
swer: We  know  of  no  reason  why  we  should  make  any 
change,  and  therefore  make  none. 

Art  17.  Why  is  it  the  custom  of  the  brethren  to  hold 
their  church  council-meetings  privately,  while  they  hold 
their  district  and  Annual  Meetings  publicly?  Answer: 
Because  the  home  councils  are  of  a  private  character,  ac- 
cording to  Matt,  xviii.,  while  the  business  of  the  district 
and  Annual  Meetings  is  of  a  general  character. 

Art.  18.  Inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided 
that  it  is  inconsistent  for  brethren  that  will  not  conform  tp 
the  order  of  the  church  to  preach,  are  not  the  elders  neglect- 
inga  duty  in  suffering  such  to  go  on,  and  through  their  influ- 
ence whole  churches  become  out  of  order?  And  while  the 
Annual  Council  has  also  decided  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  ad- 
joining elders  to  set  such  ministers  and  churches  in  order, 
will  not  this  district-meeting  and  the  Annual  Meeting-  urge 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         403 

the  brethren  to  see  that  the  general  order  of  the  brethren 
is  more  fully  carried  out?  Answer:  The  southern  district 
of  Ohio  urges  the  elders  to  do  so,  and  this  Annual  Meeting 
does  the  same. 

Art.  19.  How  is  it  considered  for  district-meetings  to 
publish  their  proceedings,  when  the  Annual  Meeting,  in 
1866,  has  distinctly  decided  that  it  shall  not  be  done? 
Answer :  The  districts  should  not  publish  their  proceedings. 

Art.  20.  Inasmuch  as  the  church  has  manifested  a  little 
of  the  missionary  spirit  during  last  year,  in  sending  breth- 
ren to  the  State  of  Kentucky,  we  respectfully  petition  that 
brethren  be  sent  to  the  northern  part  of  Alabama  and 
Tennessee  adjoining,  to  build  up  and  to  comfort  the  body 
of  brethren  gathered  together  a  few  years  since  under  the 
labors  of  A.  J.  Hixson.  The  number  of  members  was 
about  twenty-five.  Answer  :  In  regard  to  the  petition  for 
brethren  to  visit  and  preach  in  Alabama,  we  would  say,  we 
favor  the  idea,  and  appoint  the  following  brethren  as  a 
committee  to  attend  to  the  case:  B.  F.  Moomaw,  S.Z.- 
Sharp, and  II.  Garst 

Art.  21.  What  is  the  difference  between  a  minister  whose 
office  is  taken  from  him,  and  one  that  is  silenced?  and 
where  shall  such  take  their  seats?  Answer:  Inasmuch  as 
we  fail  to  comprehend  any  material  difference  between  the 
phrase,  "his  office  taken  from  him,"  or  "one  that  is 
silenced,"  we  therefore  make  no  difference;  and  in  either 
case  they  shall  take  their  seat  with  the  laity. 

Art.  22.  Is  it  right,  or  according  to  the  gospel,  for  breth- 
ren to  have  their  property  insured  ?  Answer:  We  can  not 
see  that  it  is  wrong  to  do  so,  if  done  in  a  mutual  way. 
(See  Art.  3,  Minutes  of  1864.) 

Art.  23.  We  request  this  district  and  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing to  give  us  a  more  definite  decision  on  the  stand  ques- 
tion, so  that  the  brethren  may  become  more  united  in  this 
long-agitated  question.  The  way  matters  are  now,  heaven 
can  not  be  pleased  with  us.     While  some  go  upon  stands, 


404  MINUTES    OF 

others  stay  down.  If  God's  law  teaches  us  to  go  on  stands 
to  preach,  why  not  all  go  on  them?  And  if  it  teaches  us 
to  stay  down,  why  not  all  stay  down?  Let  us  have  the 
gospel  order  in  this  as  well  as  in  all  other  matters.  Let 
God's  law  be  the  man  of  our  counsel  in  all  matters.  An- 
swer: We  think  we  can  give  no  more  satisfactory  answer 
upon  this  subject  than  what  we  already  have  in  the  minutes 
of  our  Annual  Meeting,  especially  in  that  of  Art.  23,  of 
the  minutes  of  1866. 

Art.  24.  As  Christ  never  published  himself,  would  it  not 
be  better  for  the  brethren  traveling  and  preaching  uot  to 
publish  themselves,  in  stating  how  many  sermons  they 
preached,  and. how  many  persons  they  baptized;  as  much 
as  to  say  :  "  See  what  I  have  done  ?"  Answer :  Not  advis- 
able to  do  so. 

Art.  25.  We  request  this  meeting,  and  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing, to  agree  to  grant  the  power  to  the  established  districts 
of  the  states  to  choose  their  committees  to  settle  difficulties, 
instead  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  thereby  saving  expense 
and  much  labor  in  brethren  traveling  east  and  west.  Some- 
times business  must  also  lie  over  for  six  or  eight  months, 
until  brethren  can  get  around.  Answer :  We  can  not  con- 
sistently grant  the  power  asked  for,  without  repealing  for- 
mer decisions  of  the  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  26.  Is  it  consistent  with  the  gospel,  and  the  order 
of  the  church,  for  the  brethren  to  take  part  in  the  so-called 
lyceum,  debating  or  declaiming  society,  or  for  ministering 
brethren  to  act  as  president,  and  thereby  eutice  other  mem- 
bers into  the  evil?  Answer:  We  think  it  is  unbecoming 
a  follower  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  to  do  so ;  and  we  would, 
therefore,  most  earnestly  admonish  our  brethren  to  abstain 
from  it.  But  should  any  of  our  brethren  persist  in  taking 
part  in  such  societies,  they  should  be  dealt  with  as  other 
offenders,  according  to  Matt,  xviii.  (See  Rom.  i.  29;  I. 
Cor.  xin.  20;  I.  Tim.  vi.  58];  see,  also,  decisions  of  Annual 
Meetings.) 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  405 

Art.  27.  Since  the  Annual  Meeting  has. left  it  optional 
with  brethren  whether  or  not  to  salute  colored  brethren 
with  the  holy  kiss,  designing  men  are  making  capital  of  it 
against  us.  To  obviate  this,  let  the  Annual  Meeting  re- 
consider that  decision,  and  say  that  we  make  no  difference 
on  account  of  race  or  color;  and  this  district-meeting  asks 
the  Annual  Meeting  to  make  no  difference  on  account  of 
race  or  color.  Answer  :  A\re  grant  the  request,  but  should 
have  regard  to  the  former  minutes  of  Annual  Meetings 
upon  the  subject,  and  advise  the  brethren  to  bear  with  one 
another. 

Art.  28.  If  a  member  is  disowned,  and  gets  a  committee 
to  investigate  his  case,  and  that  committee  justifies  the 
church  in  the  course  it  has  taken,  has  that  committee  the 
right  to  reinstate  that  member  without  consulting  the 
church?     Answer:  JSTo. 

Art.  29.  Inasmuch  as  there  exists  a  strong  demand  for 
tracts  advocating  the  faith  and  practice  of  the  brethren,  we 
earnestly  recommend  a  more  united  effort  to  carryforward 
this  work,  and  facilitate  the  publication  and  circulation  of 
works  of  this  character,  subject,  before  publication,  to  the 
examination  and  approval  of  competent  and  well-estab- 
lished brethren  ;  therefore,  we  earnestly  recommend  that 
the  brethren  give  this  matter  an  earnest  and  prayerful  con- 
sideration. Approved  by  order  of  the  district-meeting, 
and  confirmed  by  this  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  30.  A  member,  obtaining  a  letter  of  membership, 
moves  into  another  church.  Said  church,  knowing  that 
said  member  had  a  certificate  of  membership,  therefore 
fellowships  said  member  for  about  one  year.  Said  member 
willingly  neglects  to  hand  in  his  letter  of  membership  to 
the  church,  and  during  his  stay  in  the  said  church  becomes 
disobedient,  causing  much  trouble,  and  moving  away  in 
this  condition,  forfeits  his  word,  disregards  the  advice  and 
good  counsel  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  the  judgment 
of  said  church.     .Now,  has  the  church  from  which  said 


406  MINUTES    OF 

member  moved  last,  got  the  proper  authority  to  disown  or 
disfellowship  said  member,  if  he  continues  disobedient  or 
stubborn  in  not  hearing  said  church?  Answer:  The 
church  from  which  he  obtained  his  letter  should  deal  with 
him. 

Art.  31.  The  southern  district  of  Missouri  petitions  and 
entreats  the  Annual  Meeting  to  restrict  our  editors  in 
publication  of  matter  derogatory  to  or  militating  against 
the  advice,  counsel,  and  decision,  as  given  by  our  beloved 
brethren,  at  our  Annual  Meetings,  from  time  to  time,  such 
as  advocating  high  schools,  salaried  preachers,  musical  in- 
struments, etc.  Answer:  "We  caution  our  editors,  and  all 
our  brethren,  from  writing  or  publishing  any  thing  against 
the  acknowledged  doctrines  of  the  church. 

Art.  32.  Is  it  understood  that  the  decisions  of  the  An- 
nual Meeting,  as  heretofore  given,  against  brethren  serving 
as  jurors  in  the  courts  of  our  country,  apply  to  serving  as 
grand  jurors,  whose  duty  is  only  to  find  a  bill  against  the 
party  to  be  tried  in  law,  or  are  they  to  apply  only  against 
serving  as  a  petit  juror,  whose  duty  is  to  find  a  verdict  in 
the  trial?  Answer  :  They  are  considered  to  apply  to  both 
juries.     (See  Encyclopedia,  pages  122,  123.) 

Art.  33.  How  is  it  looked  at  by  our  fraternity  for  a  min- 
ister of  ours  to  preach  and  debate  publicly  in  favor  of  the 
final  restoration  of  all  men?  Answer:  Brethren  should 
not  do  so. 

Art.  34.  Report  of  the  committee  to  California:  We, 
the  undersigned,  a  committee  sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting 
to  set  in  order  things  that  are  wanting  among  the  brethren 
in  California,  met  pursuant  to  appointment,  agreed  upon 
by  the  elders  and  brethren  residing  here,  at  the  house  of 
Bro.  Michael  Sissler,  and  after  a  season  of  devotion  and 
consultation  as  to  the  legality  of  the  proceedings,  Bro. 
George  Wolf,  with  a  number  of  brethren,  retired  for  private 
consultation.  They  returning,  the  voice  was  taken  to  de- 
cide whether  or  not  the  committee  is  received  to  mvestigate 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BREHTERN.  407 

the  difficulties  existing,  and  they  were  accepted  by  a  unani- 
mous vote  of  the  members  present.     We  then  proceeded  as 

follows : 

First:  To  examine  the  reasons  why  certain  members  did 

not  hand  in  their  letters  to  the  church  : 

Reason  1st:  That  a  committee  of  four  brethren  waited 
on  Elder  Wolf,  to  try  to  effect  a  union,  aud  requested  him 
to  appoint  a  church-meeting  for  that  purpose,  which  he  re- 
fused to  do,  but  said  that  if  they  would  agree  to  hand  in 
their  letters,  he  would  call  a  church-meeting  for  that  pur- 
pose (no  other),  and  if  they  would  agree  to  be  subject  to 
the  established  order  of  the  church  in  California,  and  say 
nothing  about  settled  matters. 

It  being  proved  to  our  satisfaction  that  there  was  disor- 
der in  the  church,  and  Elder  Wolf  refusing  to  call  the 
church  together  to  investigate  matters,  we  decide  that  he 
erred  in  this,  and  that  it  was  a- sufficient  reason  for  with- 
holding their  letters. 

Reason  2d :  That  there  were  two  cases  of  adultery  in  the 
church,  and  and  that  Elder  Wolf  justified  them.  It  was 
proved  that  a  certain  man  named  Whelock  left  his  wife, 
and  that  she  was  afterward  married  to  another  man  by 
Elder  Wolf,  her  first  husband  (so  far  as  known)  still  living, 
and  he  not  even  charged  with  fornication,  and  the  parties 
so  being  married  were  held  as  members,  but  not  allowed  to 
occupy  the  office  of  deacon.  Elder  Wolf,  also,  with  the 
counsel  of  eight  members,  baptized  a  woman  by  the  name 
of  Cheatersty,  while  living  with  a  man  who  had  another 
wife.  Answer :  We  decide  that  both  cases  were  absolutely 
adulterous,  and  that  Elder  Wolf  did  wrong  in  baptizing  in 
the  one  case,  and  in  celebrating  the  marriage  in  the  other, 
and  we  require  an  acknowledgment  of  him,  and  of  the 
eight  members,  also,  that  gave  counsel  in  the  case,  and  ex- 
hort him  and  them  to  be  more  careful  in  the  future. 

Reason  3d :  Elder  Wolf  also  claims  the  Annual  Meeting 
to  be  legislative,  and  refuses  to  be  subject  to  its  counsel. 
For  the  auswer,  see  Art.  jSTo.  7. 


408  MINUTES    OF 

Reason  4th  :  Being  asked  if  he  would  commune  with 
brethren  when  they  wash  feet  in  the  double  mode,  said  he 
could  not  conscientiously  do  so.  Answer :  In  view  of  the 
position  that  Elder  Wolf  and  his-  adherents  occupy,  as  set 
forth  in  the  allegation,  that  they  will  not  wash  feet  in  the 
double  mode,  we  therefore,  in  order  to  give  those  who  differ 
from  them  an  opportunity  to  practice  as  their  judgment 
and  conscience  dictate,  are  compelled  to  organize  a  church 
in  California  in  the  order  of  the  general  brotherhood,  under 
the  care  and  oversight  of  Elders  Isaac  Hershey  and  Michael 
Sissler,  and  ordain  that  the  churches  establish  a  line,  and 
divide  themselves  as  seems  best  to  them,  as  we  are  not  ac- 
quainted with  the  geography  of  the  country  as  respects 
their  several  localities. 

Reason  5th :  They  do  not  practice  the  kiss  between  the 
supper  and  the  communion,  nor  read  the  Scriptures,  nor 
speak  of  the  sufferings  of  .Christ,  at  that  time,  neither  do 
they  close  with  prayer  at  the  close  of  the  services  on  such 
occasions.  Answer :  We  decide  and  exhort  that  they  from 
henceforth  adopt  the  practice  of  the  general  brotherhood 
in  those  things  on  such  occasions. 

Eeason  6th  :  E.  L.  Prather,  a  minister,  said  the  cause  of 
the  trouble  here  is,  there  are  two  parties  of  us ;  we  are  the 
Congregational  party,  the  other  the  Annual  Meeting  party; 
we  are  governed  by  the  word  of  God,  the  others  by  the 
elders  of  the  Annual  Meeting.  He  admits  the  charge,  and 
makes  the  following  acknowledgment  by  his  signature: 

"Recpuired,  that  he  acknowledge  that  his  language,  as 
used  in  the  charge,  reflects  seriously  upon  the  Annual 
Meeting,  but  as  explained  to  mean  congregational  in  a 
limited  sense,  which  is  accepted,  provided  he  now  acknowl- 
edges the  supremacy  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  agrees 
to  respect  its  counsels  and  co-operate  with  the  general 
brotherhood,  giving  and  taking  counsel. 

"Signed,         E.  L.  Prather." 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE   BRETHREN.  409 

Reason  7th  :  Elders  Wolf  and  Meyers  stand  charged  for 
writing  hard  expressions  in  the  "Gospel  Trumpet." 
Charge  sustained  by  the  articles  over  their  names;  and  we, 
the  committee,  decide  that  the  language  in  said  articles, 
when  viewed  literally,  is  very  distasteful,  and  reflects  seri- 
ously upon  the  dignity  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  de- 
mands an  acknowledgment  at  the  hands  of  the  authors. 
But  as  interpreted  to  mean  congregational  in  a  limited 
sense,  which  is  accepted,  provided  they  now  acknowledge 
the  supremacy  of  the  Annual  Meeting,  and  agree  to  respect 
its  counsels,  and  co-operate  with  the  general  brotherhood 
in  giving  and  in  taking  counsel,  aud  also  to  withdraw  their 
names  aud  influence  from  said  "Gospel  Trumpet." 

Reason  8th :  They  will  not  indorse  the  action  of  the  com- 
mittee sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting  to  Missouri,  in  1872, 
but  hold  those  denounced  members  in  full  fellowship. 
This  charge  not  sustained  by  the  evidence. 

lieason  9th :  That  the  church  in  California  is  in  a  bad 
state.  Pride  is  tolerated  too  much.  Even  Elder  Wolf  has 
departed  from  the  order  of  the  brotherhood  in  simplicity 
of  dress,  and  some  sisters  wearing  hats,  ribbons,  veils,  and 
other  superfluities.  Answer :  That  there  is  a  departure 
from  the  order  of  the  church  in  fashion  and  dress,  is  fully 
sustained  by  the  evid'ence,  and  that  Elder  Wolf  has  not 
fully  discharged  his  duty  in  suppressing  and  restraining 
pride,  is  also  manifest.  We  therefore  admonish  and  exhort 
him  to  exercise  the  functions  of  his  office  with  the  church, 
in  keeping  order  in  this  as  well  as  other  thiugs. 

Reason  10th :  That  Elder  Wolf  received  and  fellowshiped 
expelled  members  as  brethren  and  officers  in  the  church, 
after  being  informed  that  they  were  expelled  by  letters 
from  the  church  from  whence  they  came,  disregarding  the 
letters,  and  received  them  because  of  their  appearance,  etc. 
Elder  AVolf  explained  that  the  complaint  is  true  in  part, 
and  that  he  was  deceived  by  those  men  (Flory  and  Gibson) 
in  part,  and  that  he  received  them  as  a  matter  of  courtesy, 


410  MINUTES    OF 

and  not  as  brethren.  Answer:  Considered  by  us,  that  as 
these  circumstances  have  transpired  a  long  time  since,  and 
have  been  before  the  church  time  and  again,  that  we  dis- 
miss them  with  a  brotherly  admonition,  that  Bro.  Wolf 
erred  in  associating  with  these  persons  as  he  did,  and  ex- 
hort him  in  the  future  to  adhere  to  the  scriptural  injunc- 
tion to  hold  such  as  a  heathen  man  and  a  publican,  and  in 
all  cases  respect  the  action  of  sister  churches  regarding  the 
validity  of  their  letters,  etc.,  rather  than  the  person  of  ex- 
pelled members. 

Reason  11th  :  That  a  deacon  baptized  in  the  presence  of 
Elder  Wolf.  This  allegation  was  sustained  by  the  evi- 
dence, but  explained  by  Bro.  Broadherst,  the  deacon  who 
officiated,  that  the  duty  of  baptizing  and^celebrating  mar- 
riage was  voted  upon  him  by  the  church,  and  given  him  in 
charge,  when  installed  in  office,  to  perform  these  duties 
when  necessary,  etc.  Answer:  With  the  above  informa- 
tion before  us,  wre  thought  best  to  dismiss  the  case. 

Charges  preferred  by  the  brethren  claiming  to  be  the 
church  of  California,  against  certain  persons  among  those 
refusing  to  hand  in  their  letters,  etc. : 

Charge  1st:  Against  Elder  Hershey,  Peter  Garman,  and 
others,  for  organizing  a  church,  and  doing  church  business, 
within  the  limits  of  an  organized  branch.  Answer:  Not 
sustained  by  the  evidence. 

Charge  2d:  Against  Henry  Haines,  for  saying  he  would 
not  be  satisfied  until  Elder  Wolf's  office  was  taken  from 
him,  and  that  the  church  wrould  never  prosper  until  it  was 
done.  Haines  denies,  and  it  is  dismissed  for  want  of  evi- 
dence. 

Charge  3d  :  Against  Peter  Garman,  for  attempting  to 
read  in  public  his  letter,  and  those  of  several  others,  there- 
by causing  hard  feelings  among  the  brethren,  and  much 
talk  among  the  outside  world.  This  was  done  after  having 
an  opportunity  to  read  them  the  day  before  at  church 
council.     Confessed  and  explained.     Answer:  Considered, 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  411 

that  it  was  out  of  order  to  read  those  letters  before  the  pub- 
lic, but  inasmuch  as  he  was  subject  to  the  call  to  order  by 
Elder  Wolf,  that  we  lay  no  further  penalty  upon  him. 

Charge  4th:  Against  Henry  Haines,  for  visiting  public 
saloons,  and  drinking  therein.  Considered,  that  upon 
hearing  his  explanation,  we  lay  no  further  burden  upon 
him  than  an  admonitiou  to  him,  and  all  others,  to  abstain 
from  such  appearance  of  evil,  and  that  we  show  a  better 
light  to  the  world. 

Charge  5th :  Against  Bro.  Hoxie,  for  holding  the  idea  of 
not  praying  at  all  in  public,  and  other  heretical  doctrines, 
and  preaching  them  publicly  and  privately.  He  admits 
the  charge,  but  says,  and  also  proved,  that  he  has,  and  did, 
very  soon  recant  those  doctrines,  and  acknowledges  his 
wrong.  Answer :  We  consider  that  the  proceedings  against 
him  were  informal,  but  as  he  was  much  out  of  order,  we 
now  require  a  frank  acknowledgment  of  him. 

The  report,  as  above  recorded,  was  read,  re-read,  and  ex- 
plained, then  submitted,  and  was  unanimously  accepted  by 
all  the  members  present,  and  the  requisitions  complied  with, 
and  we  having  discharged  the  duty  assigned  us  in  the  fear 
of  God,  according  to  our  humble  ability,  submit  all  into 
the  hands  of  that  body  from  whom  we  received  our  author- 
ity, for  its  approval  or  rejection,  and  into  the  hand  of  God, 
the  Supreme  Ruler  of  all  events,  praying  that  he  may,  and 
will,  overrule  all  for  the  advancement  of  his  cause,  for  the 
good  of  his  children,  and  for  the  glory  of  his  name.  Re- 
spectfully submitted  by  your  committee — H.  D.  Davy,  B. 
F.  Moomaw. 

San  Joaquin  County,  Cal.,  Nov.  2,  1874. 

The  above  report  was  accepted  by  the  Annual  Meeting. 

Art.  35.  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Annual  Meet- 
ing of  1874,  to  collect  the  minutes  of  former  Annual 
Meetings,  held  since  the  Brethren's  Encyclopedia  was  pub- 
lished, finding  a  wish  among  the  brethren  to  have  the  min- 
utes omitted  in  the  Encyclopedia  published,  as  well  as  those 


412  MINUTES    OF 

passed  by  Annual  Meetings  since  that  work  was  published, 
have  delayed  our  work  until  the  Annual  Meeting  gives  us 
further  instruction.  Shall  we,  then,  publish  all  the  minutes 
of  Annual  Meetings  that  can  be  collected,  or  only  those 
passed  by  the  Annual  Meetings  since  the  publication  of 
the  Brethren's  Encyclopedia?  Answer:  Let  all  be  pub- 
lished, and  the  work  be  called,  "Minutes  of  Annual 
Councils." 

Art.  86.  Committees  to  visit  churches:  1.  A  committee 
to  settle  difficulties  relative  to  Bourbon  College.  The  fol- 
lowing brethren  constitute  said  committee :  Hiel  Hamilton, 
Robert  11.  Miller,  John  Metzger,  H.  P.  Davy,  and  J.  P. 
Ebersole.  The  same  committee  will  go  to  the  Tippecanoe 
Church,  Indiana.  2.  A  committee  to  visit  the  Philadelphia 
Church.  The  following  brethren  are  on  this  committee  : 
H,  P.  Pavy,  J.  Quinter,  Moses  Miller,  C.  Bucher,  and  Jos. 
P.  llanawalt.  3.  A  committee  to  visit  the  church  in  Ogle 
County,  Illinois,  that  called  for  a  committee.  The  follow- 
ing brethren  are  on  this  committee:  Paniel  Pry,  E.  Eby, 
David  E.  Price,  Paniel  Peardorf,  and  James  R.  Gish. 

Art.  37.  Miscellaneous:  1.  Inasmuch  as  there  hasbeen  no 
request  for  the  Annual  Meeting  for  1875,  and  as  the  meet- 
ing would  properly  go  east  of  the  Ohio  River,  we  recom- 
mend the  matter  to  the  brethren  in  the  east,  and  trust  they 
will  consider  the  subject,  and  announce  the  result  to  the 
brotherhood  as  soon  as  possible.  2.  In  view  of  the  kind- 
ness shown  by  friends  in  this  community  to  our  brethren 
during  this  meeting,  by  entertaining  them  very  freely,  as 
far,  apparently,  as  was  necessary,  we  acknowledge  their 
kindness,  and  return  them  our  thanks.  3.  A  resolution 
was  passed  to  take  up  a  collection  for  the  needy  in  the 
west. 

The  meeting  closed  with  singing  and  prayer. 

A.  II.  Senseney,  Em.  Slifer,  "Wm.  Hertzler,  Jos.  R.  llan- 
awalt, J.  Quinter,  II.  B.  Ilylton,  Jacob  "Wine,  Elias  Auvil, 
Jacob  Garber,  J.  P.  Ebersole,  II.  P.  Pavy,  P.  B.  Sturgis, 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        413 

Jesse  Meyers,  Iliel  Hamilton,  Enoch  Eby,  John  Metzger, 
James  R.  Gish,  Tobias  Musser,  C.  Long,  Jacob  Brower, 
S.  S.  Mohler,  Sam.  Stump,  Isaac  Miller,  J.  W.  Brumbaugh. 


ANNUAL  MEETING  OF  1876. 

The  standing  committee  met  on  Monday,  June  5th,  near 
De  Graft",  Logan  County,  Ohio,  and  organized  by  appointing 
II.  D.  Davy  moderator,  J.  Quinter  clerk,  E.  Eby  reading- 
clerk,  and  J.  Thomas  doorkeeper. 

After  the  devotional  exercises  on  Tuesday  morning,  the 
General  Council  of  the  church  proceeded*  to  business,  and 
the  following  queries  being  presented  for  consideration, 
were  considered  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  answered  as 
herein  stated: 

Article  1.  Whereas,  there  seems  to  be  a  disposition  on 
the  part  of  some  of  our  brethren  to  consume  much  time 
on  many  of  the  queries  that  come  before  our  Annual  Meet- 
ing, and  some  even  become  very  personal  in  their  remarks; 
and,  whereas,  this  has  caused  hard  feelings,  and  severe  cen- 
sure; be  it  therefore  resolved,  that  the  following  rules  be 
adopted  for  the  government  of  our  Annual  Meeting  in  the 
transaction  of  its  business:  1.  All  queries  for  discussion 
with  their  answers,  shall  be  read  by  the  clerk,  after  which 
the  moderator  shall  declare  the  same  open  for  discussion. 
2.  The  reading  of  any  question  may  be  called  for  the  second 
time,  but  not  oftener  if  there  be  objections  made.  3.  No 
brother  shall  have  the  privilege  of  making  more  than  two 
speeches  on  the  same  subject,  except  by  the  consent  of  the 
meeting,  and  the  first  shall  not  be  longer  than  fifteen,  and 
the  last  than  five  minutes.  4.  The  moderator  shall  require 
every  brother,  when  speaking,  to  confine  his  remarks  to 
the  subject  before  the  meeting.  5.  Any  brother  using  per- 
sonalities  in  his  speech,  shall  be  called  to  order  by  the 


414  MINUTES    OF 

moderator;  and  if  he  persist,  be  shall  be  told  to  take  his 
seat.  6.  The  moderator  shall  decide  who  has  the  right  to 
the  floor,  and  when  bis  time  expires.  7.  The  moderator 
shall  decide  when  the  discussion  on  each  subject  shall  close, 
and  when  the  question  shall  be  put  on  its  final  passage. 
But  if  objection  be  made  to  his  ruling,  then  the  standing 
committee  must  unite  with  him  in  deciding  the  matter. 
8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  moderator  to  keep  order  in 
the  congregation ;  and  for  this  purpose  he  may  call  to  his 
assistance  other  brethren,  or  the  standing  committee  may 
call  on  brethren  to  keep  order. 

All  former  rules  not  in  conflict  with  the  foregoing  shall 
continue  in  force. 

Art.  2.  Whereas,  the  questiou  of  a  full  report  has  been 
before  the  Annual  Meeting  time  and  again  for  considera- 
tion; and,  whereas,  upon  the  propriety  of  such  a  report  a 
difference  of  opinion  obtains  among  the  brethren ;  there- 
fore, resolved,  that  this  meeting  will  not  assume  the  respon- 
sibility of  granting  such  a  report.  But  should  any  breth- 
ren publish  it,  they  shall  be  held  responsible  for  any  wrong 
that  may  be  committed  in  doing  so.  And  we  also  decide 
that  it  shall  not  be  published  in  any  of  our  periodicals. 

Art.  o.  Is  it  agreeable  to  the  gospel  and  faith,  and  order 
of  the  brethren,  to  hold  the  office  of  school  director  under 
the  present  laws  of  Pennsylvania?  Answer:  We  think  it 
best  for  brethren  not  to  serve  in  such  capacity,  where  a 
school  director,  according  to  the  laws  of  the  state,  may 
have  to  collect  school-tax,  and  imprison  a  person  if  he  does 
not  pay  his  tax. 

Art.  4.  Is  it  right  to  reject  all  queries  coming  before  the 
Annual  Meeting,  simply  because  they  do  not  contain  a 
proviso  to  repeal  all  other  queries  previously  passed  by 
Annual  Meetings,  which  may  conflict  with  the  last  one 
presented?  Answer:  While  we  do  not  think  it  always 
necessary,  in  a  formal  manner,  to  reconsider  a  former  query 
before  another  answer  to  the  query  is  made,  nevertheless 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.        415 

we  consider  it  Lest  to  refer  to  former  decisions,  and  have 
it  understood  that  such  decisions  are  void  when  they  con- 
flict with  the  last  decision. 

Art.  5.  Inasmuch  as  the  brethren's  hymn-book,  as  now 
published,  is  very  deficient  in  selections  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  the  church,  and  also  contains  a  large  number  of 
badly-composed  hymns,  this  meeting  petitions  the  Annual 
Meeting  for  the  privilege  of  publishing  a  new  book,  or  to 
have  the  present  one  thoroughly  revised.  This  meeting 
further  petitions  that  the  Annual  Meeting  appoint  for  this 
work  a  committee  of  four  brethren,  thoroughly  posted  in 
versification,  and  then  grant  to  each  of  our  publishing 
brethren  the  privilege  of  publishing  their  own  books,  or 
those  they  need,  to  supply  their  patrons,  or  else  have  them 
published  jointly,  as  may  be  determined  upon  by  the  pub- 
lishers, but  not  to  be  copyrighted.  Answer  :  We  think  it 
best  to  make  no  change  in  regard  to  our  hymn-book. 

Art.  6.  "We  ask  for  a  reconsideration  of  Art.  11,  of  last 
year.  Answer :  We  agree  to  reconsider  the  above  query, 
and  think  that  the  delegate  should  first  represent  the  sen- 
timents of  the  district-meeting,  but  after  doing  so,  should 
have  the  privilege  of  speaking  his  own  sentiments. 

Art.  8.  ¥e  respectfully  ask  the  Annual  Meeting,  through 
the  district-meeting,  to  say  what  course  should  be  pursued 
when  a  committee  from  the  Annual  Meeting  has  been  sent 
to  adjust  matters  in  a  congregation  where  there  are  two 
elders,  between  whom  some  unkindness  and  want  of  social 
relations  exist,  yet  no  grave  charge  against  either.  Is  it 
legitimate  to  suspend  them  at  home  only,  and  to  put  in 
authority  over  said  church  an  unordained  brother,  and  hold 
church  and  officers  amenable  to  said  committee  until  said 
elders  cultivate  social  relations  with  each  other,  with  the 
promise  by  said  committee  that  as  soon  as  these  conditions 
are  complied  with,  all  should  be  restored ;  and  when  elders 
have  complied,  for  said  committee  to  withdraw  their  con- 
nection from  said  church,  and  leave  it  in  that  unorganized 


416  MINUTES    OF 

condition?  Answer:  In  reference  to  the  above  subject  we 
would  say  that  we  can  not  accept  of  the  answer  given  by 
the  district-meeting,  but  would  say,  that  in  view  of  the 
known  conditions  of  the  case,  we  submit  it  to  the  church 
involved  in  the  trouble,  and  the  iive  following  elders :  Isaac 
Long,  Jacob  Thomas,  Solomon  Garber,  Jacob  Wine,  and 
Martin  Garber. 

Art.  8.  Why  does  the  church,  after  exacting  a  promise 
of  non-conformity  to  the  world  in  appearance  as  a  condi- 
tion of  membership,  accept  brethren  as  participants  in  the 
deliberations  of  the  Annual  Meeting  who  disregard  this 
solemn  promise  ?  Answer :  IsTo  brother  ought  to  be  per- 
mitted to  speak  in  public  at  our  Annual  Meetings  who  will 
dress  after  the  fashion  of  the  world. 

Art.  9.  How  is  it  considered  when  brethren  receive 
those  of  other  denominations  into  their  houses,  and  ask 
them  to  give  thanks  at  their  tables,  and  hold  family  wor- 
ship? What  is  to  be  done  in  such  cases?  or  does  the  gos- 
pel allow  that  liberty  in  any  case?  Answer:  While  we 
would  not,  under  all  circumstances,  think  it  wrong  to  ex- 
tend the  liberty  above  alluded  to,  we  think  the  brethren 
should  be  careful  in  granting  such  liberty.  The  character 
of  our  guests,  and  the  attendant  circumstances,  should  gov- 
ern in  such  cases. 

Art.  10.  A  request  that  the  Annual  Meeting  limit  the 
power  of  committees,  so  as  not  to  allow  them  to  expel  a 
majority  of  any  church,  unless  their  decision  is  ratified  by 
the  Annual  Meeting  in  open  session.  Answer:  The  re- 
quest is  granted. 

Art.  11.  We  wish  the  Annual  Meeting  to  say  whether 
we  sball  have  a  rolling  or  standing  collar  on  our  coats. 
Answer:  While  we  can  not  positively  say  which  of  the 
above  forms  of  the  coat  should  be  worn,  we  would  advise 
the  brethren  to  try  to  become  more  uniform  and  plain, 
rather  than  to  depart  from  the  order  of  plainness,  not  only 
in  our  coats,  but  in  every  thing  else. 


ANNUAL   MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  417 

Art.  12.  Is  it  right  for  au  elder,  or  for  elders,  to  take  up 
charges  and  act  upon  them  without  name  or  authorship  ? 
Answer:  An  elder  may  receive  a  complaint  from  a  report 
injurious  to  the  Christian  character  of  a  brother,  without 
the  name  of  the  person  who  makes  the  complaint,  but  :i 
direct  charge  against  a  member  should  be  accompanied  by 
the  name  of  the  brother  that  makes  the  charge. 

Art.  ]  3.  Is  it  right  for  members  to  get  those  tine,  costly, 
and  fashionable  burial-cases  to  bury  their  dead  in,  and  to 
employ  a  fashionable  hearse  to  convey  them  to  the  bury- 
ino-.PTound  in?  Answer:  We  decide  it  is  not  right  for 
brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  14.  As  we  consider  that  the  grape  juice  is  not  wine 
until  after  fermentation  has  taken  place,  will  not  this  dis- 
trict-meeting ask  the  Annual  Meeting  to  repeal  the  wine 
question  of  last  year,  and  decide  that  only  the  fermented  ( 
juice  of  the  grape  shall  be  used  on  communion  occasions, 
as  has  always  been  the  practice  of  the  church?  Answer: 
We  decide  that  no  change  shall  be  made  from  the  last  de- 
cision. 

Art.  15.  Is  it  according  to  the  gospel,  and  order  of  the 
brethren,  when  a  brother  is  elected  to  the  ministry,  and  ac- 
cepts the  office,  and  is  installed,  and  afterward  gets  diso- 
bedient, and  says  he  can  not  preach,  for  the  church  to  re- 
lease him  so  far  that  he  is  not  under  any  obligations  to 
preach  only  in  case  he  should  feel  to  do  so,  and  thereby 
help  him  to  live  in  disobedience,  and  give  him  liberty  to 
serve  as  a  deacon,  when  he  was  never  elected  to  a  deacon's 
office  ?  If  so,  let  the  gospel  authority  be  presented.  An- 
swer: We  consider  it  neither  according  to  the  gospel  nor 
the  order  of  the  brethren  to  do  so. 

Art.  16.  A  brother  has  a  dairy,  and  objections  were 
made  against  him  for  furnishing  his  customers  milk  on 
Sunday,  claiming  that  brethren  would  do  no  more  harm  to 
work  on  their  farms  on  Sunday.  The  brother  claims  that 
his  customers,  many  of  them,  are  ministers,  and  ministers 
27 


418  MINUTES    OF 

of  Sabbatarian  churches.,  who  say  they  must  have  their 
milk;  besides,  lie  furnishes  milk  for  the  sick,  and  for  chil- 
dren raised  by  the  bottle;  .and  he  says  not  to  be  allowed  to 
tarnish  the  milk  would  ruin  his  business,  and  subject  him 
to  heavy  loss.  What  is  to  be  done  in  the  case?  Answer: 
We  can  not  grant  a  brother  liberty  to  furnish  milk  on  the 
Sabbath  to  his  customers,  only  to  the  sick  and  to  the  chil- 
dren, and  we  advise  him  to  get  out  of  the  business  as  soon 
as  possible. 

Art.  17;  We  petition  the  Annual  Meeting  to  reconsider 
the  following  words,  found  in  the  plan  for  holding  district- 
meetings,  adopted  by  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1866:  "A 
record  ma}T  be  kept,  but  not  published,"  and  so  amend  the 
same  as  to  give  liberty  to  the  district-meetings  to  print 
minutes  of  their  proceedings  for  distribution  among  the 
members  of  their  respective  districts.  Answer:  This  An- 
nual Meeting  reconsiders  said  words,  and  grants  the  privi- 
lege asked  for. 

Art.  13.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel  and  the  order 
of  the  church,  for  members  to  attend  the  Centennial? 
Answer:  Xo.  (See  John  xv.  17-19,  xvr.  14-16;  II.  Cor. 
vi.  14-18;  I.  John  iv.  7;  James  iv.  4.) 

Art.  10.  Is  it  right,  according  to  the  gospel,  for  a  brother 
to  "plead  the  laws  of  the  land,  and  act  as  an  attorney? 
Answer:  The  brethren  have  always  considered  it  not  ac- 
cording to  the  gospel  for  a  brother  to  practice  law  and  act 
as  an  attorney,  and  we  can  make  no  change  in  this  respect. 

Art.  20.  Should  a  brother  (being  executor)  be  allowed, 
after  fearing  some  of  the  papers  might  not  be  worth  full 
value,  to  use  means  to  get  another  brother  to  go  security 
mi  said  papers,  and  thereby  run  the  risk  of  the  estate;  and 
shall  such  executor  be  allowed  to  sue  such  brother,  and 
collect  such  amount  in  full,  or  only  the  amount  the  paper 
was  worth  before  the  security  was  on,  the  whole  matter 
being  under  the  control  of  the  church  ?  Answer :  We  con- 
sider it  wrong,  according  to  our  understanding  of  the  case, 


\NNIAL    MEETIXUS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  419 

for  the  brother  who  was  the  executor  to  get  his  Christian 
brother  to  go  on  the  paper  as  security,  and  it  was  very 
wrong  for  the  executor  to  sue  his  Christian  brother. 

Art.  21.  Is  it  wrong  for  sisters  to  wear  fashionable  hats 
instead  of  bonnets?  and  where  is  the  Scripture  forbidding 
the  wearing  of  such  hats  ?  Answer :  We  decide  it  is  wrong- 
according  to  Kom.  xii.  2;  I.  Tim.  n.  9. 

Art.  22.  What  does  the  Annual  Meeting  consider  should 
be  done  with  elders  and  others,  who  make  promise  to  a 
committee  sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting  to  set  things  in 
order  among  them,  and  then  do  not  respect  the  reports 
made  to  them  by  the  committee,  and  do  not  comply  with 
their  promises  for  eighteen  months  or  two  years  ?  Answer : 
This  Annual  Meeting  authorizes  the  committee  appointed 
to  California  in  1874,  to  sec  that  their  report  is  properly 
carried  out. 

Art.  23.  Whereas,  we  have  a  query  from  'No.  1  district 
of  Virginia,  one  from  West  Virginia,  one  from  the  middle 
district  of  Indiana,  and  one  from  the  southern  district  of 
Indiana,  requesting  the  Annual  Meeting  to  grant  the  dis- 
trict-meetings power  to  send  committees  to  settle  difficul- 
ties in  the  churches;  therefore,  resolved,  that  we  decide  to 
make  no  change  in  this  respect,  believing  our  present  man- 
ner of  sending  committees  is  preferable  to  the  one  pro- 
posed. 

Art.  24.  Whereas,  a  number  of  queries  have  come  to 
this  Annual  Meeting  relative  to  a  change  in  the  manner  ot 
holding  said  meeting;  and,  whereas,  the  changes  proposed, 
though  various,  would  not  change  the  meeting  very  much 
from  the  present  way  in  which  it  is  held  ;  and,  whereas,  the 
change  proposed  will  not  probably  lessen  to  any  very  great 
extent  the  multitude  in  attendance  ;  therefore,  resolved,tak- 
ing  all  things  into  consideration,  that  we  make  no  general 
change,  but  will  adhere  as  closely  as  possible  to  the  plan 
adopted  in  1866,  and  labor  to  lessen  as  much  as  possible  the 
attendance  at  the  meeting,  and  increase  its  facilities  for 
business. 


420  MINUTES    OF 

Art.  25.  Several  queries  and  requests  relative  to  feet- 
washing  being  presented  to  the  meeting,  the  following  was 
prepared  to  meet  the  case:  Whereas,  the  so-called  double 
mode  in  feet- washing  is  the  recognized  mode  of  the  general 
brotherhood;  therefore,  the  Annual  Meeting  can  not  grant 
the  liberty  prayed  for,  and  no  church  can  change  from  the 
double  to  the  single  mode  on  the  authority  of  the  Annual 
Meeting.     Deferred. 

Art.  26.  To  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  German  Baptist 
brethren,  for  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1876,  we  send  greeting  : 
Inasmuch  as  a  committee  sent  to  the  Brush  Creek  Church, 
Adams  County,  Ohio,  by  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1874, 
found  that  we  of  the  above-named  church  asked  the  ques- 
tions to  applicants  for  baptism  before  going  into  the  water  : 
that  we  had  in  part  adopted  the  single  mode  of  feet-wash- 
ing, and  that  we  dismissed  our  congregations  with  a  bene- 
diction, said  committee  required  of  us  that  we  abandon  the 
last,  practice  the  double  mode  of  feet-washing,  and  to  send 
the  first  to  the  Annual  Meeting.  The  Brush  Creek  Church, 
in  consultation  upon  these  subjects,  has  unanimously  de- 
cided to  practice  the  single  mode  of  feet-washing,  to  con- 
tinue the  use  of  the  benediction,  and  to  ask  questions  to 
applicants  before  going  into  the  water,  as  it  formerly  has 
done.  And  we  request  this  district-meeting  of  southern 
Ohio  to  send  to  the  Annual  Meeting  these  three  questions, 
to-wit:  1.  Is  it  wrong  to  dismiss  a  congregation  with  a 
benediction?  2.  Are  we  wrong  in  washing  feet  by  the 
single  mode  ?  3.  Is  it  wrong  to  ask  questions  to  applicants 
for  baptism  before  going  into  the  water?  And  inasmuch 
as  the  Brush  Creek  Church,  in  southern  Ohio,  is  dissatis- 
fied with  their  district-meeting"  of  1874,  because  it  called  to 
the  Annual  Meeting  of  that  year  for  a  committee  to  visit 
our  church  upon  mere  report;  is  dissatisfied  with  the  An- 
nual Meeting  of  1874,  because  it  appointed  said  committee 
on  said  report,  and  contrary  to  its  own  law ;  is  also  dissat- 
isfied with  that  committee  for  coming  here,  without  any 


ANNUAL  MEETINGS  OF  THE  BRETHREN.         421 

notice  to  us  of  what  they  were  coming  for;  we  therefore 
ask  a  satisfactory  explanation  of  the  whole  proceeding,  or 
an  acknowledgment  to  us  by  each  of  those  bodies  for  their 
conduct  in  these  matters. 

Query  1st:  Can  the  Annual  Meeting  claim  its  decisions 
as  advice  only  (See  Minutes  of  1866,  Art.  34),  and  at  the 
same  time  threaten  with  expulsion  those  who  do  not  obey 
them? 

Query  2d:  Is  a  committee  justifiable  in  threatening  a 
church  with  expulsion,  after  admitting  that  said  church 
has  all  the  essentials  of  salvation  ? 

We  also  ask  of  the  district-meeting  of  southern  Ohio,  to 
recognize  Wm.  Calvert  and  Landon  West  as  delegates 
from  the  Brush  Creek  Church  to  the  district  and  Annual 
Meetings  of  our  brethren  for  the  year  1876. 

May  Hill,  Adams  Co.,  Ohio,  April  15,  1876. 

Whereas,  a  committee  was  sent  by  the  Annual  Meeting 
of  1874,  to  the  Brush  Creek  Church,  in  Adams  County, 
Ohio,  to  set  things  in  order  in  said  church;  and,  whereas, 
the  report  of  said  committee  was  accepted  by  said  church, 
but  it  has  not  only  failed  but  refused  to  carry  out  said  re- 
port; therefore,  resolved,  that  we  can  not  consistently  do 
otherwise  than  hold  said  church  to  the  carrying  out  of  the 
report  of  the  committee,  as  it  promised  to  do,  and  also  re- 
quire of  it  to  take  back  certain  offensive  charges  contained 
in  an  address  to  the  district  of  southern  Ohio,  and  through 
it  to  the  Annual  Meeting,  dated  April  15,  1876. 

The  following  committee,  being  the  committee  sent  in 
1874,  :3  re-appointed  to  go  to  said  church  to  do  whatever 
is  necessary  to  be  done  in  the  case:  H.  I).  Davy,  R.  II. 
Miller,  and  John  Wise.  J.  Quinter  was  added  to  the  com- 
mittee. 

Art.  27.  The  committee,  namely,  II.  I).  Davy,  Moses 
Miller,  Jos.  R.  Hanawalt,  Christian  Bucher,  and  J.  Quinter, 
appointed  by  the  last  Annual  Meeting  to  visit  the  Phila- 
lelphia  Church,  to  settle  difficulties  in  said  church,  met  in 


422  MINUTES    OF 

Philadelphia  on  the  27th  of  October,  1875,  and  organized 
by  appointing  II.  D.  Davy  foreman,  and  J.  Qninter  clerk, 
and  after  devotional  exercises  proceeded  to  hear  the  griev- 
ances from  the  grieved  brethren,  which  were  the  following : 
1.  They  (the  majority)  have  a  paid  minister  not  elected 
from  among  the  brethren  in  Philadelphia,  bnt  "called" 
from  a  distance,  and  have  given  him  pre-eminence  over 
older  ministers  chosen  by  the  church.  Considered  by  the 
committee,  that  while  it  is  contrary  to  the  gospel,  as  under- 
stood by  the  brethren,  to  pay  the  minister  any  particular 
sum  as  a  salary,  and  while  we  should  guard  with  care 
against  the  practice,  in  the  case  under  consideration,  it  does 
not  appear  that  any  particular  amount  was  contracted  for 
by  the  parties  concerned,  although  money  was  made  more 
prominent  than  is  commendable  in  such  cases.  And  in  re- 
gard to  the  pre-eminence,  we  decide  there  was  not  the  cau- 
tion taken  by  the  church  to  avoid  offense  that  should  have 
been  taken,  and  that  Bro.  J.  P.  Hetric  should  not  have  pre- 
eminence over  Bro.  Custer,  touching  the  liberty  to  preach 
the  word.  2.  They  (the  majority)  require  this  paid  minis- 
ter to  do  the  principal  part  of  the  preaching,  disregarding 
the  order  of  the  brethren  that  our  ministers  shall  have  the 
privilege  to  preach  by  turns.  Considered,  from  the  testi- 
mony that  came  before  us,  in  the  fact  that  the  meetings 
were  advertised  in  the  papers  for  Bro.  Hetric,  and  that,  as 
pastor  of  the  church,  there  was  an  error  committed,  and  an 
admonition  is  necessary.  3.  They  (the  majority)  set  aside 
the  reading  of  the  Scripture  in  order  by  the  deacons,  a  rule 
established  when  the  church  was  organized  in  Philadelphia. 
Considered,  that  as  there  is  no  general  order  among  the 
brethren  in  regard  to  this  usage,  whatever  the  church  de- 
cides upon  should  be  acquiesced  in  by  all  the  members.  4. 
The}7  (the  majority)  make  basket  collections  of  money  on 
Sundays,  during  meetings  for  worship.  Considered  wrong, 
and  contrary  to  the  order  of  the  gospel,  as  understood  by 
the  brethren,  to  make  collections  on  the  Lord's-day,  save 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  423 

for  the  poor,  and  the  brethren  should  cease  to  do  so.  5. 
They  (the  majority)  have  a  wooden  pool  under  the  pulpit, 
in  which  they  baptize  in  the  meeting-house.  Considered, 
that  inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided  that  it 
is  wrong  to  make  use  of  a  pool  in  a  house,  for  the  purpose 
of  baptizing,  the  brethren  have  erred  in  using  said  pool 
since,  and  shall  cease  to  do  so  until  reconsidered  by  the 
Annual  Meeting.  6.  They  (the  majority)  make  Sunday- 
school  anniversaries,  entertainments,  excursions,  etc.  Con- 
sidered, that  inasmuch  as  the  Annual  Meeting  has  decided 
that  it  is  wrong  to  have  Sunday-school  picnics,  anniversa- 
ries, entertainments,  etc.,  that  the  brethren  erred  in  taking 
part  as  they  did,  and  should  abstain  hereafter  from  doino- 
so.  7.  They  (the  majority)  have  a  Sunday-school  library, 
consisting  mostly  of  books  of  religious  fiction.  Consid- 
ered, that  inasmuch  as  the  brethren  in  Annual  Meeting- 
have  advised  brethren,  in  conducting  Sabbath-schools,  to 
use  such  books  as  contain  nothing  that  conflicts  with  the 
principles  of  the  gospel,  as  held  by  the  brethren,  said  coun- 
sel should  be  observed  by  the  brethren  in  procuring  books 
for  Sabbath-schools.  8.  They  (the  majority)  have  instru-i 
mental  music  in  the  Sunday- school.  Considered,  that  ac- 
cording to  the  understanding  of  the  gospel  by  the  brethren, 
and  as  given  in  councils  of  the  Annual  Meetings,  it  is  con- 
sidered wrong  for  members  to  have  musical  instruments, 
we  therefore  decide  that  the  brethren  should  cease  to  use 
an  instrument  of  music  in  the  Sabbath-school.  0.  They 
(the  majority)  are,  in  all  the  above  new  things,  in  unison 
with  the  popular  and  fashionable  religion,  having  aban- 
doned the  non-conformity  testimonies  and  practice  of  the 
brotherhood.  Considered,  that  from  the  foregoing  griev- 
ance, and  from  the  departure  we  see,  we  would  most  ear- 
nestly and  affectionately  urge  the  brethren  and  sisters  of 
the  Philadelphia  Church  to  adhere  to  the  doctrine  of  non- 
conformity to  the  world  in  dress,  in  spirit,  and  in  every 
way  that  doctrine  can  be  applied,  as  this  constitutes  such 


424  MINUTES    OF 

a  prominent  doctrine  of  the  gospel,  and  one  of  the  pecul- 
iarities of  our  brotherhood.  II.  D.  Davy,  J.  Quinter,  J.  K. 
Hanawalt,  C.  Bucher,  M.  Miller. 

In  regard  to  the  case  of  the  Philadelphia  Church,  we 
accept  of  the  report  of  the  committee  sent  to  said  church, 
and  reappoint  the  committee  first  appointed  to  have  the 
said  report  carried  out. 

Art.  28.  Inasmuch  as  there  has  beeu  a  certain  legacy  be- 
queathed to  the  standing  committee  of  the  German  Baptist 
Church  by  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Solomon  G.  Karn  : 
and  inasmuch  as  said  money  was  bequeathed  on  certain 
specified  conditions,  we  here  give  the  last  will  and  testa- 
ment by  which  said  bequest  is  made  to  the  standing  com- 
mittee of  the  German  Baptist  Church  : 

"Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  I,  Solomon  G. 
Ivarn,  <f  the  County  of  Wabash,  and  State  of  Indiana, 
being  of  sound  mind,  do  make  and  publish  this,  my  last 
will  and  testament. 

"First:  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  beloved  wife,  Martha 
L.  Kara,  lots  ISTos.  40  and  50,  in  the  town  of  Manchester. 
in  said  county  and  state,  and  now  occupied  by  us  as  our 
home;  also,  a  certain  tract  of  land  in  Douglas  County,  and 
State  of  Kansas,  belonging  to  me,  and  for  which  I  am  en- 
titled to  a  deed,  to  have  as  her  own,  or  convey  by  deed  in 
fee  simple,  as  she  may  choose;  also,  all  and  every  article 
of  personal  property  in  our  possession,  including  my  mare, 
buggy  and  harness,  and  four  hundred  dollars,  to  be  paid  to 
her  as  soon  as  it  can  be  collected  from  my  outstanding 
claims. 

"I  will,  further,  that  my  wife  shall  have  the  selection  of 
my  tombstones,  and  that  my  executor  pay  for  them  out  of 
the  residue  of  my  estate,  together  with  any  expense  they 
may  apply  to  my  grave. 

"Second:  It  is  hereby  expressly  provided,  that  should 
there  hereafter  an  heir  be  born  to  me,  the  residue  of  my 
moneys  and  effects  (after  the  payment  of  my  debts)  shall 


ANNUAL    MEETINGS    OF    THE    BRETHREN.  425 

be  placed  at  interest,  to  the  best  advantage,  for  the  benefit 
of  said  heir,  when  arriving  at  majority,  but  the  interest 
of  said  money  shall  be  paid  annually  to  my  wife,  and  be 
subject  to  her  control  during  her  natural  life. 

"  In  the  eyent  said  posthumous  child  should  die  before 
my  wife,  the  interest  shall  still  be  paid  to  my  wife,  as  [and] 
in  the  event  that  my  wife  and  said  child  should  both  die 
before  the  child  becomes  of  age  of  majority,  then  the  re- 
mainder of  estate  shall  be  paid  to  the  standing  committee 
of  the  first  annual  conference  of  the  German  Baptist 
Church  (of  which  I  am  a  member),  to  be  used  by  said  com- 
mittee for  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  or  for  the  purpose  of 
charity,  as  they  shall  think  right  and  proper. 

"  If  at  any  time,  by  misfortune  or  illness,  the  interest,  as 
above,  should  prove  insufficient  for  the  support  of  my  wife, 
as  provided,  she  shall  have  of  the  principal  to  meet  ex- 
penditures. 

"  Third  :  I  do  hereby  nominate  and  appoint  John  Bussard, 
of  Miami  County,  Indiana,  executor  of  this  my  last  will 
and  testament.  I  do  hereby  revoke  all  former  wills  by  me 
made. 

"In  testimony  hereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
seal,  this  12th  day  of  November,  A.  D.  1868. 

"  Solomon  G.  Karn  [Seal.]" 

"Signed  and  acknowledged  by  said  Solomon  G.  Earn, 
as  his  last  will  and  testament,  in  our  presence,  and  signed 
by  us  in  his  presence. 

"  Wesley  Bussard, 
"  J.  B.  Harter." 

Will  proved  before  James  M.  Amars,  clerk  Wabash 
County  Court  Common  Pleas,  on  the  19th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1868,  by  Wesley  Bussard. 

We,  the  brethren  of  the  German  Baptist  Church,  assem- 
bled in  conference  at  the  meeting-house  of  the  brethren  in 
Logan  County,  Ohio,  on  the  6th  day  of  June,  1876,  decide 
that  the  prospective  bequest  made  in  the  aforesaid  last  will 


426  MINUTES    OF 

and  testament  of  Solomon  G.  Kara,  in  favor  of  the  Ger- 
man Baptist  Church,  shall  be  released.  And  we  hereby 
authorize  the  standing  committee  of  this  meeting;  to  sign 
a  release  of  said  prospective  claim,  as  set  forth  in  the  fore- 
going will,  giving  to  the  mother  of  said  posthumous  child, 
which  child  is  a  daughter,  now  living,  and  about  the  age 
of years,  all  the  right,  title,  claim,  and  interest  pro- 
spectively held  by  us  in  the  aforesaid  will. 

The  German  Baptist  Church,  to  which  the  contingent 
fund  above  alluded  to  has  been  intrusted,  having  some  fears 
that  the  foregoing  release  may  not  be  sufficient  to  meet  the 
laws  of  the  State  of  Indiana,  appoint  the  following  breth- 
ren, and  give  them  full  power  to  make  any  release  of  the 
funds  above  alluded  to  that  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Indi- 
ana may  require:  II.  D.  Davy,  Samuel  Mohler,  and  Isaac 
Studebaker. 

Passed  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  this  Annual  Meet- 
ing. 

Art.  20.  Committees  to  visit  churches  :  1.  A  committee 
to  visit  Dry  Valley  Church,  Mifflin  County,  Pennsylvania. 
The  following  brethren  constitute  the  committee:  John 
Gluck,  Solomon  Seiber,  and  Geo.  Brumbaugh.  2.  The 
following  brethren  are  a  committee  to  go  to  the  West  Nim- 
•ishillen  Church,  Stark  County,  Ohio:  R.  II.  Miller,  Daniel 
Brower,  and  J.  P.  Ebersole.  3.  The  following  brethren 
are  a  committee  to  go  to  the  English  Biver  Church,  Iowa: 
E.  K.  Beeghly,  Peter  Forney,  and  M.  Sisler.  4.  In  com- 
pliance with  a  request  from  the  George's  Creek  Church, 
Fayette  County,  Pennsylvania,  for  a  committee,  the  follow- 
ing brethren  were  appointed:  D.  P.  Sayler,  John  Wise, 
and  J.  Quinter.  5.  The  following  brethren  are  a  commit- 
tee to  the  Welsh  Pun  Church,  Pennsylvania:  D.  P.  Sayler, 
J.  D.  Trostle,  and  Jacob  Price.  0.  The  following  brethren 
are  a  committee  to  the  Antietam  Church,  Franklin  County, 
Pennsylvania:  D.  Long,  D.  Keller,  and  Daniel  Eckerman 


annAl  meetings  of  the  brehtern.  427 

Art.  30.  A  request  was  made  by  the  middle  district  of 
Pennsylvania,  for  the  Annual  Meeting  of  1877,  which  was 
granted.  Accordingly,  the  Lord  willing,  the  next  Annual 
Meeting  will  be  with  the  brethren  in  the  district,  above 
named,  and  in  the  congregation  selected  by  the  proper  au- 
thority. The  place  will  be  announced  in  due  time  in  our 
periodicals. 

After  a  season  of  devotional  exercises,  the  meeting  ad- 
journed. 

Standing  committee:  B.  1'.  Sayler,  B.  Long,  Samuel 
Ilarley,  M.  Miller,  J.  Quinter,  E.  Eleshman,  I.  Long,  B.  B. 
Arnold,  G.  Irwin,  J.  Brown,  11.  B.  Bavy,  M.  Shotts,  J. 
Flory,  R.  II.  Miller,  E.  Eby,  B.  E.  Price,  J.  Metzger,  Jos. 
Ogg,  Abr.  Stamy,  Baniel  Zook,  ¥m.  Gish,  Isaac  Miller. 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Acknowledgment — Public -5,  64,  282 

Before   the   church 146 

Of  editors 380,  381 

The   church   to  judge  of  the  sufficiency 

of. 291 

Adultery— 25,   54,   50,   62,165,187,198,211,220,230,255,271 
278,  309,  324.  329,  355,  385. 
Praying  for  a  person  in 146,  148 

Alms — Collecting 1^ 

Annual  Meeting — Report  of  a  committee  on 127 

A    change   in  manner  of  holding  asked 
for... 142, 148, 150,361,  375,393,399,400,  419 

A  remonstrance  against  a  change  in 149 

A  change  in  the  time  of  holding  asked  for  208 
A  change  proposed  in  the  standing  com- 

•   mittee 252,  271 

To  be  held   alternately  cast   and  west  of 

the  Ohio  River. 286 

A  change  in  the  manner  of  holding  con- 
cluded upon : 289 

Organization  of. 323 

The  present  general  plan  of  holding  of...  302 

A  tent  for  holding  in 396 

Assailed 369 

Rules  for  governing 413 

Eeport  of  proceedings  of. 414r 


II.  INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Anointing  the  sick 25,39,  243 

The  manner  of  performing...  .64, 176,  243,  345 

]\Ia}T  be  repeated .67,  166 

By  whom  to  be  done..80,  151, 266, 289, 290,  325 

To  whom  it  is  to  be  done 151,  165,  166 

Anointing  the  head 214 

Of  Christ 358 

Ardent  spirits — Security  for  dealing  in 172 

A  church  agreeing  not  to  use 194 

At  sales 63,  169 

The   use  of. .71,  92,  169 

Dealing  in 33,  63,  69^  260,  280 

Informing  on  a  person  for  selling.. 355 

Duty  of  ministers  concerning 202 

Assigning  property 61 

How  to  deal  with  a  member  who  does  so  217 

A  ssociation — Peace ■ 401 

Building 363 

Attest— Taking  the  5,       6 

Avoidance— How  to  treat  those  in 37,  86,  104,  125,  151 

How  to   treat  the    companions  of  those  in,  if 

members 60,  62,     98 

.Releasing  from 65 

Difference  of  opinion  concerning 87 

Liberating   from 126,    148,  151 

What  sins   require  it 137 

The   authority  for  putting  in 147,  152 

An   elder   in 152 

Who  shall  infor.ni  the   person  put  into 152 

Ban — See  avoidance. 

Banking : 376,  3S9 

Baptism — By  single  immersion 35,  59,     71 

Denunciation  in 205 

Form  of  words  in 103,  106,  157,  190 

In  the  house 282,  400 

Who  ma}'  administer  it 322 

Questions  in 380 


INDEX.  III. 

'    .  PAGE. 

Beard 34,  593  115,  170,  182,  257,  346,  389 

Bells— On  horses 195 

Meeting-houses 232.   256,  299,  313 

Benediction — Pronouncing  the 132,  155,  262 

At  funerals 26»> 

Bonds — Selling 38,  53,     65 

Govern  men  t 282.  291 

Bounty  money 286 

Borrowing  money * 119 

Brethren  in  Germany 19!) 

Brewery 66,     81 

Butchering 144 

Brush  Creek  church,  difficulties  in 420,  421 

Camp-meetings 124 

Carpets , 65,67,  173 

Caution  in  laying  out  towns 179 

Centennial 418 

Certificates. .14,72,91,127,129, 134,173,  258,  279.  285.  295,  307,  347 

354,  368 

Children  to  be  instructed  in  the  truth 15 

Church — Elections,  manner  of  holding 297,  298 

In  disorder,  how  to  deal  with  a 320 

To  be  governed  by  the  gospel 373 

Duty  of 188,  272 

A  request  to    organize  a 200 

In  which  shall  a  case  be  tried .  .174,  208,  308,  395,  405 

Power  of 212,  37:i 

Receiving  complaints 251 

Duty  of,    toward  transgressors 264 

Duty  of.  toward  expelled  members. 264 

Not  congregational 276 

Uniformity  of  practice  in , •.  .    13o 

Should  be  subject  to  Annual  Meeting 150 

The  authority  of  its  resolutions 96 

Dealing  with  a  church 174 

Small  to  be  cared  for 124 

Shall  each  have  a  corresponding  secretary 135 


IV.  INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Civil  Government — Speaking  against 294 

Of  the  Lord 283 

College— Bourbon 301 

Education 69,  174,  392 

Teaching  in 3G7 

Colonization 157 

Colored    members 72,  140,  310 

"Committees ;. 162,  165,  167,  168 

To  keep  a  record 346 

Decisions  of,  to  be  accepted 307 

To  California  and  Oregon 351 

Expenses  of. 39S 

Appointed  to  collect  minutes  of  Annual  Meeting,  114 

Power  of 290,  327,  394,  405,  416 

Paying  expenses  of. 212,  397 

Vacancy  in 212 

Duty  of 264,  415 

Appointed  by  Annual  Meeting,  by  whom  to  be 

composed 401 

Communion — Not  to  be  separated  from  the  supper 54 

Eestricted 58,  61,  134 

To  sick  members 68,105,  157 

By  whom  to  be  administered 73 

To  the  sick  out  of  the  church 91 

Given  by  the  sisters 140,  203 

Singing  at 213,  228 

The  kind  of  wine  to  be  used  at  the..217,  400,  417 

To  the  sick  in  daytime 251 

Old  complaints  after 251 

On  the  table  at  supper 283,  358 

After  the  original  example 268 

The  time  to  commence 25S 

Not  to  be  taken  by  unworthy  members 158 

With  the  far  western  brethren..  148 

Erequency  of. 292 

Position  in  prayer  at 338 

Confession— For  hard  expressions 57 

Before  the  church 59 


INDEX.  V 

PAGE. 

Confession — Public 04 

Alone,  when  sufficient 113 

Conformity  to  the  world..52,  GO,  6G,  120,  170,  137,  201,  210,  232 

219,  259,  261,,  270,  102 

Council— Legality  of 195,  219 

Mutual 00 

To  be  held  by  the  district  into  which  a  member 

is  to  be  received 130 

In  reference  to  the  far  western  brethren 161 

Council-meetings— Manner  of  holding.. ..282,  300,  307,  338,  102 

Private 62,  110,  122,  271 

Friends  of    the   accused    to    withdraw 

from 52.  70,     S3 

Disorder  at 1S7 

Speaking  against  the 108 

Members  reporting  proceedings  of. 265 

T aking  vote  of 266 

Complaint  of  long  standing 101 

Covering  for  the  head 121,  199,  258,  357 

Deacons — Bearing  testimony 91,  97,  217,  262 

Retaining  office  upon  removal 233 

Duty  of. - 75,  272 

Laying  hands  on..83,  85, 102, 109,112,  118, 125, 119,  323 

Not  to  be  ordained  bishops 116 

How  far  they  may  fill  appointments 116 

Qualifications  for 118 

Rising  to  speak , 333,  361,  338 

Marrying  out  of  the  church 366 

Installation  of. 379 

Debts — Against  contracting 33 

Neglecting  to  pay 261,  268,  322 

Delegates  to  Annual  Meeting — Paying  expenses  of. 20') 

To  be  provided  with  accom- 
modations...  121,  206,  347 

Delegates — -California  and  Oregon 216,  253 

A  proper  title 142 

Duty  of 101 


VI  INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Dealing— With  members... 234,  259,  263,  274,289,  291,  292,  298 

308,  315,  367,  395 

With  expelled  members 293.  325.  351 

With  an  expelled  minister 396 

Difficulties— In  churches. ...128,  130,  154.  155,  157.   198,  200,  204 

232,  303,  364 

Between  brethren ." 28,     30 

Domestic 144,  197,211,  241 

Plan  for  settling 198 

Difference  in  sins 63 

Debabting-schools 328,331,  404 

Discipline — The  minutes  are  not  a 368 

District — Dividing  of  a 136 

District-meetings 275,  285,  299,  364,  367,  374,  383,  404,  419 

Minutes  of. 281,  295,  403,  448 

Disorder 130,  141,  174,  181,  214,  226,  230,  234,  263,  266,  356 

I  a  installation 25!> 

In  worship 262,  265 

Distilleries 9,  14,  59,  61,  65,  67,  83,  88,  109,  174 

Selling  grain  to 74,     77 

"Working  in  a 114 

Divorce 147,  14S,  258,260,  310,  356,  386 

Doctrine — Difference  in 1 04 

Drunkenness — The  sin  of,  how  to  be  dealt  with 145,  264 

Electioneering 77,     81 

Elections  for  church  officers 80,86,99,   100,144,  176,  195 

214,  261,  265,  322,  384 

Disorder  at 292 

Manner  of  holding 326,  332 

Election  for  civil  officers  in  our  houses 85 

Elders— Authority  of... 126,  141,  229,  273,299,  347,  348,  363,  384 

Are  of  the  same  authority 113 

Delinquency  in  duty 175,  292 

Duty  of,  to  adjoining  congregations 163,  181 

Who  are  eligible  to  the  office  of 315 

Laboring  in  other  churches 373 

Two  in  one  church 382 


INDEX.  VII 

PAGE. 

Elders — Form  of  installing 400 

Ordination  of. 1-47,  155.  171 

Too  old  to  serve 78 

Duty  to  their  church 133 

Tolerating  pride 372 

Executors ')$,  2S3,  32 1 .  41 8 

Expelling  members : 113.   11G 

Expelled  members — How  to  treat Gl 

How  to  get  a  hearing 304 

Fairs 174,  220,  366 

Leasing  ground  for  310 

Far  western  brethren 161,  1G2,  102,  10G,  235,  344 

Fashions,  guarding  against 3G 

Fasting 153,  172,  325 

Farmer's  clubs 396 

Family  worship 157,  173 

Faults — Public,  how  to  settle 88.  105 

Feeding  the  multitude  at  love-feasts 296 

Female    preaching 73 

Feet-washing — A  uniform  practice  of.  in  the  churches  de- 
sired   , 177 

Not  to  be  practiced  with  members   of  other 

societies 30,  77.     90 

"When  to  be  practiced 1!)  1 

No  change  to  be  made  in.  110,  116,  12G.  141,  320 

332.  360,  375,  420 

Fornication 145,  185,  188,  104.  203,  272,  324,   328 

Freemasonry 34,  G6.  180,  228 

Forfeited  money 250 

Freedmen  of  the  south 311 

Funerals 56,  105,  158,  105.  21G,  204,  308,  417 

< iarber's  legacy 150,  180 

(rifts,  exercise  of 211,228 

Gospel  Visitor 148,  15G,  162,   169 

Grange 373 

Hair,  wearing  of  the .   335 

Heresy. 51,56.110.  172 


VIII.  INDEX. 

TAGE. 

High  School 164,  136,  205,  221 

Hymn-hook 214,  215,  252,  297,  334,  319,  375,  384,  39G,  415 

Infares C6 

Insolvent  members 70 

Installation,  no  difference  between  near  relations  in 255 

Insurance 120,  126,  193,  297,  347,  351,  363,  379,  365,  403 

interest 61,  72,  74,  81,  107,  193,  267,  272,  374,  385 

Invitation  to  seekers 189,  217,  268 

Jewelry 280,  317 

Jurors,  members  serving  as. 69,  73,  77,  91,  95,  279,  406 

Kiss,  the  holy 25,  38,  67,  69,  70,  77.97,  110,  132,158,166,  176 

Kara  legacy 424,  425,  426 

Law— Taking  benefit  of 60.  139,  159,  195,,  205,  229,  232,  370 

Using  of  the.  .38,  58,  70,  72,  87,  90,  96,  104, 130, 172,  213 

216,  219,  220,  226,  267,  273,  325,  355,  361 

Using  of,  justified  by  brethren 175 

Pleading 4 IS 

Likenesses 135,  205, 221, 322,  348,  374 

Lightning-rods 156,  198,  279,  298,  311 

Lottery  tickets,  buying  of 35,  89,  150,  172 

Love-feasts — Holding  small 67,  69 

Private  and  frequent 94 

When  to  commence 181,  190 

When  to  be  held 181 

A  model  for 183 

Disorder  at 132,  346 

How  to  leave 62 

Whether  there  may  be  different  tables  at.  . .  .  61 

At  Annual  Meeting 190 

Closing , .  .  .  377 

Without  an  invitation  to  adjoining  churches.  265 

Marriages  of  kindred 17,  182,  20!> 

Matrimonial 33,  53,  55,  125,  140,  147,  211,  317,  386 

Meeting-houses— Building  of 68,  179,  188,  279,  291 

Opening  of,  for  lectures 175 

Meeting — Edification   of , 212 

Order  of  conducting 255 


INDEX.  IX. 

PAGE. 

Mooting — Social •  •  -218>  231 

Held   in  the  housees  of  expelled  members 88 

Exhorting  too  long  before ss 

In  the  houses  of  persons  not   members 152 

Feeding  the  people  at 112 

To  be   held  in  order 128 

Members — Disorderly l^o 

Neglecting   duty 256,  350 

Neglecting   public  worship 130 

Bight  to  petition   Annual  Meeting 324 

Withdrawing  from  the  church 79 

N  umbering   of 308 

Takingpart  in  Sunday-school  and  class-meetings     83 

Entitled   to  a  defense 9- 

Not  to  be  expelled  without  gospel  authority.  . .    372 

Morchandising • " 

Kestriction 334 

^    i   •    •         ?  290 

Ministers— Ordaining  of *w 

Manner  of  preaching 332 

Marrying  out  of  the  church 300 

Form  of  installing 390 

Authority  of..... 101,233,257,402 

Character  of ^ 

Silenced -••   403 

Moving 71>74>  3G4 

Colored 3GJ 

Involved  in  difficulty 34° 

Fallen,  "privileges  to • 334 

Receiving  from  other  denominations 332 

Delinquent  in  duty 326>  338 

Eeceiving  salaries ol° 

Report  of  travels 310,404 

Reinstating  in  office 73>     8^ 

Should  not   be  too  forward 9l) 

Consuming  too  much  time  in  speaking 101 

■n             r     rrf  ms    107   »13  222,285,300,  383 

Forwarding  of loo,  i.'< , -io,  _„-,  -     ,        , 

•  *     r,-  «f                                        .210,  230,  201 
Inconsistency  oi -iV> 


X.  INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Ministers— Differing  in  doctrine     217 

Servants  of  the  church 221 

Asking  to  be  released 244,  417 

Treasury  for  the  support  of 252 

Conforming  to  the   world 271,312,  313,  357 

Fees 66, 124, 1S7, 195,  205,  213 

Title  of 327 

Preaching  after  their  office  is  taken  from  them.    130 

Ministry — Grades  in 2S5,  29'.'> 

Military.  .53,  G2,  74,  77,88,  231,  270,  273,  280,  284,  290,  292,  293 
Missionary. ..163,  171,  198,  222,  233,  250,  327,  335,  363,  375,  3SG 

395,  403 

Mortgage — Closing  a 365 

Asking  a,  of  a  brother,   by  a  brother 63,  229 

Minutes— Of  Annual  Meeting,   printing  of 133,  143 

Collection  of 133,  222,  250,  355 

For  officers  of  the   church 142 

Obligatory  until  repealed 241 

Not  to  be  printed  in  Gospel  Visitor 275,  291 

Disregarded 214 

Advice  and  not  laws . . . .  295 

Musical  instruments 164,  314,  357,  383,  396 

Music  teaching 374 

Name  of  our  fraternity 78,  369 

"  Nearest  relation,"  defined 393 

Nonconformity  to  the  world . 66,  73,  87,  107,280,  317,365,  368 

416,  419 

Nonresistancc 107,  185,  388 

Notes— Selling  ot 216,  229 

Shaving  of 214 

Oath  of  loyalty , t . .   309 

Obedience — To  the  church  required 38 

To  civil  law 10 

<  )ffenscs — Public 189 

Does  Matthew  xvm.  cover  all 203 

Distinction  between 385 


INDEX.  XI. 

PAGE. 

Offices — Civil,  not  to  be  held  by  members.  10,  40,  60,  64,  73,  85 

96,  103,  140,  145,  162,  183,  207,  316,  326,  376,  389,  414 

Officers — Union  among,  in  preparatory  council 373 

Ordination,  in  case  the  church  is  not  unanimous 99 

( )rphan's  home 384 

Orphans  of  members  of  the  church  to  be  cared  for 353 

Patent  rights 91,  186,  312 

Paintings 114,  173 

Pension  for  soldiers 35,  351 

Petition  to  Annual  Meeting  from  southern  Ohio. . 340 

Philadelphia  church,  troubles  in 421,  422,  423 

Plain  language 147 

Political  meetings 91,  172 

Poor,  providing  for.  . .  .86,  158,  182,  1S8,  204,  260,  321,  400,  401 

Postage,  about  paying 155 

Post-master,  office  of ' 401 

prayer — Exhortation  before,  at  public  worship 272 

Meetings 173, 157,  231,  255 

Private -(;7 

Meetings  of  other  denominations 9S 

The  posture  in 98 

Lord's  to  be  used 38 

Preaching— By  private  members.  .78,  83,  85,  108,  128,  132,  180 

219,  275,  294 


By  females. 


227 

Appointing  for  other  denominations 83 

In  the  English  and  German  languages 90,  110 

Preachers  of  other  denominations  preaching  in  our  houses,  116 

135 

Pride 114 

Proceedings  of  Annual  Meeting  not  to  be  read  at  close  of  the 

meeting 163 

Protracted  meetings 94,  124,  216,  221,  395 

Publications 182,  203,  290,  299, 307,  344,  393,  405,  406 

Public  improvements 166 

Pulpit  or  stands 118,  122,  158,  273,  312,  334,  383,  393.  403 


XII  INDEX. 

PAGE. 

Queries — For  Annual  Meeting 414 

How  to  prepare  them  for  Annual  Meeting.. 94,  102,  167 

From  district-meeting ■ 390 

Railroad  privileges 215,  277,  288,  359 

He-baptizing 125.  2G0,  26S,  308,  328,  331,  333,  354 

Rebellion,  taking  part  in  the 29-1,  298 

Receiving — A  complaint  and  charge 417 

Expelled  members.  .89,  166,  ISO,  234,  242,  251,  276 

293,  316,  357,  373 

Applicants..  .74,  SI,  87,  122,  125,  176,  220,  222,  227 

242,  246,  259,  267,  281,  283,  354,  356,  369,  394 

Applicants,  preparation  for 74,  81,  87,  122,  125 

Applicants  from  other  denominations 65,     84 

Colored  persons 75,  107 

A  minister  without  giving  the  hand  and  kiss..    114 

Ministers  with  their  wives 84' 

Officers 130,  256 

Sick  persons 65,  82,     186 

Reconsideration.  .156,  242,  308,  311,  317,  321,  324,  354,  383,  395 

Report  of  committee — To  far  western  brethren 196 

Philadelphia 342 

On  proceedings  of  Annual  Meeting  351 
353,  380.  388,  401,  414 

To  be  regarded ,   419 

To  California 406 

Restoration .  , 140,  210.  406 

Restoring  ministers  to  office 375 

Sabbath— Violation  of.  .39,  53.  67.  72,  78.  164,  276,281,380,  417 

Feasting  on 365 

Sabbath-schools 204,  255..  261,  333,  358,  364,  3S2 

School — Teaching  by  E.    fteyser 325 

Exhibitions 249,  251,  257,  34S 

Security 129 

Secret  societies 129,  167,  185,  226,  256,  316,   345 

Selling  books  at  Annual  Meeting 310 

Shows .' 74,  83, 127.  366,  367 

Sinccin^  before  general  service  begins 227 


INDEX.  XIII 

PAGE. 

Singing-schools — In    meeting-houses 82 

Teaching. 63.  136,  206,  256,  392 

Singing  the  different  parts  in  music 103 

Single  immersion !    67,  70,     72 

Slavery 24,  41,  170,   171,  203,  257,  271,  295 

Eeport  on 179 

Slaves,' hiring l{)~ 

Slave-traded. 8,  40,  41,  81,  116 

Social  meetings '-49,  2G8 

Sons  of  Temperance 120 

Spiritual  rappings 163 

Standing  Committee — How  to  he  formed 332 

Ministers  of  the  second  degree  on.  .   368 

Vindicated 352 

Authority  of ,338,  400 

Stock  of  railroads  and  banks 245,  382 

Strange  doctrine.  .10,17,18,21,26,29,31,142,180,186,, 206, 220,  22G 

Substitute  money 7 

Supper,  Lord's — What  shall  constitute  it 65,  140,  172,  183 

189,  216,  270,  358 

Whether  it  shall  be  on  table  at  feet-washing     60 

71,  103,  135,  198,  202,  264,  309,  346 

Thanks  after ' 268 

Different  manner  of  observing  the 274 

Disorder  at 346 

Uniformity  of  practice  at 216,  322 

Persons  not  members  partaking  of.. 69,  90,  136 

How  it  shall  bo   held 85 

Bequired  by  the  gospel 126 

Is  it  sacred  or  common 135 

To  be  held   in  uniformity 151 

Swearing -1- 

Tavern-keeping 32,  74,     Vi 

Taxation  for  church  purposes 296,  328,  331 

Temperance "*>  ■*■' ® 

Society °-J° 

Lecturing  on •  •  •     05 


XIV  INDEX. 

TAGE. 

Testimony— From  the  world..  52,  79,  90,  109,  174,  295,  348,  36:5 

In   court 59,     62 

Through,  deacons 100 

Of  husband  and  wife,  one  against  the  other. .  12G 
Of  several  witnesses,  but  at  different  times. . . .   173 

Conflicting 175 

Of  an  accused  member '.   260 

Of  one  witness  not  sufficient 266 

Thanksgiving — Eepeated 175 

Days 293 

Thurman,  TV.  C 300,  31S 

Tobacco 52,  60,  66,  85,  282,  356,  372 

Tombstones 186 

Trafficking 197 

In  fruit  trees 31G 

Uniformity — Means   for  preserving. 215,  219 

Of  practice  in  receiving  members 218 

Vendue   crying SO 

Visit,  annual 151    210 

By  whom  to  be   made 311 

Questions  at _  _   321 

Prayer  at 333 

Voting 42,  66,  74,  140,  273,  278,  283,  291,  297,  298,  300 

300,  307;  346 

Vow 67 

Widow's  dower . , 242    250 

Can  she  hold  it, , 115 

Widows  to  be  supported 354    3(53 

AVills,  making ]14 

Widows,  the  children  of,  to  be  cared  for  by  the  church  ....      3!) 


